Parks & Protected Areas

Question 1

What are the limitations of protected areas/parks? How can they be overcome? (think RMNP)

Answer 1

These protected areas can become isolated ecological islands, surrounded by agricultural lands. This problem can be overcome through the implementation of:

1. Corridors through agricultural fields that permit large mammals to migrate between core areas.
2. Buffer Zones where cattle are not permitted to reduce risk of conflict and spread of tuberculosis infection from elk.
3. Wildlife Corridor development; building a series of bridges above and below highways to allow for wildlife to travel unimpeded.

Question 2

What is the Minimum Viable Population? Why is this used as a goal in species conservation?

Answer 2

M.V.P is the estimated, smallest population size of a species that can maintain itself and its genetic variability indefinitely.
This is used as a goal in species conservation to reduce the likelihood of a species becoming extinct.

Question 3

What are the fundamental differences between provincial and federal park management goals?

Answer 3

Federal Parks - Preservation Approach; works to protect species and landscapes WITHOUT accommodating for change in the biological systems driven by human interference.

Provincial Parks - Conservation Approach; social and economic interests are considered but care is taken not to deplete natural ecosystems or its diversity.

Question 4

What are the fundamental similarities between provincial and federal park management goals?

Answer 4

Both provincial and federal parks are working to protect ecosystems, species as well as landscapes.

Question 5

What are the elements of a biosphere reserve?

Answer 5

Biosphere reserves include
1. terrestrial
2. marine
3. coastal ecosystems.
Each site promotes solutions regarding conservation of biodiversity and sustainable uses

Question 6

How do biosphere reserves work to improve the goals of protected areas and parks?

Answer 6

Biosphere reserves serve as learning sites to explore and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development providing lessons which can be applied at protected parks and areas.

Question 7

What are wildlife / conservation corridors? What are their roles in protected areas?

Answer 7

They are a series of bridges developed above and below the Trans Canada Highway, creating corridors to allow for safe travel of wildlife as well as minimizing risk of vehicle collisions.