Publications
Community-based eDNA metabarcoding for monitoring fish biodiversity and food webs in the Peace-Athabasca Delta
A pilot study using community-based eDNA metabarcoding in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) successfully detected 15 fish species, including key dietary components of Lake Whitefish, demonstrating the potential of molecular tools to enhance biodiversity monitoring and food web assessments. The research, conducted in collaboration with Indigenous Governments, Parks Canada, and GEN-FISH, employed two mitochondrial markers (COI and 12S) to analyze eDNA samples collected across 15 locations. While COI provided broader taxonomic coverage, detecting birds, mammals, and invertebrates, 12S offered greater specificity for fish. The findings highlight the readiness of these molecular techniques to support the Integrated Research and Monitoring Program's assessment of PAD health, addressing critical knowledge gaps in fish diversity and distribution within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A luta pelo clima no Comitê do Patrimônio Mundial: um estudo de caso
A study of litigation within the World Heritage Committee reveals a significant connection between heritage site disputes and climate change advocacy, exemplified by the case of Wood Buffalo National Park. The research demonstrates that strategic legal action can drive legislative, policy, and social transformations, underscoring its potential as a tool for climate justice. Employing a case-study methodology, the analysis examines key actors—plaintiffs, defendants, and decision-makers—as well as the claims' substance and outcomes. Initial hypotheses were confirmed, highlighting how litigation in this context can serve as a catalyst for broader environmental change.
Centring Water in Impact Assessment: Reconsidering Environmental and Cultural Flows in Development Decision-Making in Canada
A novel framework for integrating environmental and cultural flows into impact assessments could significantly enhance water protection in development projects. This study proposes the 'three Cs'—advisory councils, regional data assessment, and consensus-building—to embed ecosystem and rights-based needs in decision-making processes. While current Canadian practices often focus on habitat and fish, this approach expands to include Indigenous rights and cumulative water withdrawals, drawing from successful cases like the Wolastoq Ecological Limits of Hydrological Alteration and Wood Buffalo National Park assessments. The findings suggest that adopting such frameworks could lead to more comprehensive water protection in development projects.
Ice Jam Flooding of the Drying Peace-Athabasca Delta: Hindsight on the Accuracy of the Traditional Knowledge and Historical Flood Record
A reassessment of the Peace-Athabasca Delta's (PAD) historical flood record, compiled in 1995 using traditional knowledge and historical data, reveals that while major ice-jam floods—critical for recharging wetlands—are reliably documented, minor events may be overestimated. Recent advances in hydrometric monitoring and climatic analysis, along with eyewitness accounts dating back to the early 1900s, support the accuracy of major flood events but cast doubt on the reliability of smaller, inferred floods. This study underscores the ecological significance of the PAD, a UNESCO-listed Ramsar wetland within Wood Buffalo National Park, and its vulnerability to drying trends, informing future park management strategies.
Optimization and validation of ELISAs for interferon-gamma determination in bison
Two commercial ELISAs, Mabtech bovine Flex and Pro kits, were successfully optimized and partially validated for detecting interferon-gamma (IFNγ) in bison, offering a sensitive and reliable method to diagnose bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis. The assays demonstrated linear responses to both recombinant bovine and endogenous bison IFNγ across a range of 1–125 pg/mL, with high linearity (R² = 0.99), good recovery, fair reproducibility, and a low limit of quantification at 1 pg/mL. These findings provide a flexible diagnostic tool for monitoring M. bovis infection in wood bison, a threatened species within Wood Buffalo National Park, potentially mitigating zoonotic risks and supporting conservation efforts.
Orally administered live BCG and heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis protect bison against experimental bovine tuberculosis
Oral administration of live BCG and heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (HIMB) effectively protects wood bison against bovine tuberculosis (BTB), with BCG providing superior protection. The study, conducted in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), demonstrated that both vaccines reduced lung lesions and M. bovis burden, while BCG-treated bison showed fewer adverse effects and lower tuberculin sensitivity, making it a promising Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) vaccine candidate. Researchers aerosol-challenged young bison with virulent M. bovis to confirm BTB establishment before assessing vaccine efficacy in a homologous prime-boost regimen. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for controlling BTB in this ecologically and culturally significant species, mitigating risks to wildlife, livestock, and human health.
The fight for climate at the World Heritage Committee: a case study
Litigation within the World Heritage Committee can drive significant legislative, political, and social changes, as demonstrated by the case of Wood Buffalo National Park. This study reveals that strategic legal actions at the international level have tangible impacts on climate-related policies and protections. Employing a case study approach, researchers analyzed key actors—plaintiffs, defendants, and decision-making bodies—and their claims, including factual, material law, and procedural developments. The findings confirm an initial hypothesis that such litigation serves as a powerful catalyst for broader environmental reforms.
Effects of fire and fire-induced changes in soil properties on post-burn soil respiration
Burning boreal forest soils reduces post-fire respiration by 16%, suggesting that carbon (C) lost during wildfires may be partially offset by slower decomposition rates. Laboratory burns on organic-rich and sandy soil cores from Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, revealed that fire increases soil pH and alters C:N ratios, while also shifting the balance between fast- and slow-cycling C pools. These changes imply that future wildfire regimes—driven by climate-induced shifts toward more frequent and severe fires—will influence boreal forest C storage both through direct combustion losses and indirect effects on microbial respiration. The study highlights the need to integrate soil property changes with microbial community data to better predict post-fire C cycling dynamics.
Impact of fire on chemical properties and respiration of boreal forest soils
Boreal forest fires significantly alter soil chemical properties and respiration, with laboratory burns revealing that exposure to high temperatures (60 kW m^-2) reduces soil pH, total carbon, and nitrogen content. These changes subsequently impact soil respiration, as demonstrated by 70-day incubations using two-pool exponential decay models. The study, conducted in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, successfully replicated natural wildfire conditions, providing critical insights into post-fire carbon cycling dynamics. By analyzing both organic-rich and sandy soils from 12 sites, researchers quantified the effects of burning on soil properties and respiration, offering a nuanced understanding of fire's role in boreal forest ecosystems.
Isolation and Characterization of a Frog Virus 3 Strain from a Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) in Wood Buffalo National Park
A novel Frog Virus 3 (FV3)-like ranavirus, Rana sylvatica ranavirus (RSR), was isolated from a wood frog (Rana sylvatica) during an amphibian die-off in Wood Buffalo National Park. Genomic sequencing revealed high similarity to FV3 (99.98%) and a Maine salamander isolate (SSME; 99.64%), but RSR contained unique genomic elements, including a 13-amino acid insertion in ORF 49/50L. While growth kinetics were comparable in vitro, differences in non-core genes suggest potential roles in nucleic acid metabolism and immune evasion. This study underscores the significance of viral isolation and genomic analysis for understanding ranavirus distribution, host tropism, and pathogenicity.
The World Heritage Convention, human rights and Indigenous Peoples
The World Heritage Convention, while rooted in universalistic aims, often clashes with the rights of Indigenous Peoples due to its state-centrism and Eurocentric heritage discourses. However, a broadening conceptualization of World Heritage value, combined with a focus on synchronicity with human rights, can enable recognition and protection of Indigenous worldviews, rights, and cultural continuity under international law. This study examines the variance among states parties and the World Heritage Committee in upholding human rights standards through case studies, including Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. Despite recent progress towards a rights-based approach, inconsistencies remain in adherence to international human rights standards.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Endemic Mycobacterium bovis Strain from Wood Bison in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada
Researchers have sequenced the complete genome of an endemic Mycobacterium bovis strain, isolated from wood bison in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada. This strain represents a wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a zoonotic disease posing risks to human health, livestock, and conservation efforts. The study provides critical genomic data that could enhance understanding of bTB transmission dynamics, virulence mechanisms, and the development of targeted interventions for affected ecosystems. By leveraging advanced sequencing techniques, the team identified unique genetic features of this strain, offering insights into its evolutionary adaptation to wildlife hosts and potential implications for disease management in protected areas.
Dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds in Canada’s Athabasca River in relation to Oil Sands from 2013 through 2019
A distinct chemical fingerprint of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) linked to the Athabasca oil sands deposit (AOSD) was detected in the Athabasca River from 2013 to 2019, with concentrations peaking within the oil sands mineable area and downstream tributaries. The study identified elevated levels of alkylated PACs—particularly phenanthrenes/anthracenes and dibenzothiophenes—as markers of petrogenic sources, which were absent in reference sites outside AOSD influence. Hydrological factors, including river discharge and tributary inputs, modulated PAC concentrations, with dilution observed downstream of the Peace-Athabasca Delta. This seven-year dataset provides a critical baseline for assessing long-term water quality impacts in Wood Buffalo National Park and adjacent regions.
Remembering Our Relations
A critical examination of Wood Buffalo National Park's history reveals systemic broken promises by settler colonial governments, highlighting the forced displacement and erasure of Dénesųłıuné people. The study centers Dene voices through oral histories and testimonies from Elders, knowledge-holders, and community members, contrasting their experiences with archival records. It demonstrates how the park's creation, expansion, and management reflect broader patterns of violence against Indigenous homelands and Treaty rights, particularly under Treaty 8. By prioritizing Dénesųłıuné perspectives, this work challenges historical narratives, advocating for healing and justice in a century-long struggle.
The Drying Peace–Athabasca Delta, Canada: Review and Synthesis of Cryo-Hydrologic Controls and Projections to Future Climatic Conditions
Future climate conditions are projected to reduce the frequency of ice-jam floods, which are critical for replenishing perched basins in the Peace–Athabasca Delta (PAD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar wetland. This study synthesizes cryo-hydrologic controls on the PAD's drying trend, leveraging Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, historical records, and extensive hydrometric data. It reveals that spring ice jams in the Peace and Athabasca Rivers drive overland flooding that sustains higher-elevation basins, though regulation of the Peace River has altered flood frequency. The findings highlight the vulnerability of the PAD's aquatic habitats under climate change, emphasizing the need for remedial strategies to mitigate drying trends.
Genomic evaluation of hybridization in historic and modern North American Bison (Bison bison)
A comprehensive genomic analysis reveals that nearly all modern North American bison, including those from herds previously believed to be free of hybridization, exhibit signs of recent introgression with domestic cattle. Using whole genome sequencing on 25 bison samples—representing both historic and contemporary populations—the study identified extensive genetic recombination between bison and cattle over the past 200 years. The research employed advanced genomic techniques, including a novel method for detecting cattle haplotypes, to demonstrate that cattle introgression is pervasive across major bison lineages. These findings challenge prior assumptions about hybridization in conservation herds and underscore the necessity of genome-wide assessments to accurately quantify genetic admixture, with significant implications for bison conservation efforts.
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics Refine the Conceptual Model of Groundwater Flow in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada
Groundwater and surface water hydrochemical characteristics in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), Canada, reveal distinct water types that refine the conceptual model of groundwater flow. Four primary water groups—Ca-SO4-type, Na-Cl-type, Ca-HCO3-type, and mixed waters—were identified, each linked to specific geological formations and processes such as halite dissolution, sulfate mineral dissolution, and carbonate dissolution. Spatial patterns in these water types correlate with hypothesized groundwater flow systems, with Ca-SO4 and Na-Cl-type waters associated with discharge areas of intermediate to regional flow paths, while Ca-HCO3-type waters dominate recharge zones. This study advances understanding of the hydrochemical dynamics in this remote and highly protected region, providing critical insights for comprehensive assessments of natural water conditions.
Impact of burning on soil properties and respiration; Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada; June 2019
Burning boreal forest soil significantly alters its properties and respiration rates, with effects lasting up to six months. Research conducted in Wood Buffalo National Park revealed that fire simulations under high and low moisture conditions increased soil temperature during burns but reduced total carbon (C) content post-fire. Soil pH and nitrogen (N) levels also shifted, while soil respiration varied depending on burn severity and moisture conditions. The study used controlled heat treatments to mimic wildfires, measuring soil properties and respiration over extended periods. Key data, including temperature readings, respiration measurements, and soil chemistry, were collected from 19 sampling sites within the park. These findings contribute to understanding post-fire carbon cycling in boreal ecosystems, a critical factor for ecosystem resilience and management.
LANDMark: an ensemble approach to the supervised selection of biomarkers in high-throughput sequencing data
A novel machine learning ensemble, LANDMark, demonstrates exceptional performance in identifying biomarkers from high-throughput sequencing data, achieving a balanced accuracy of 0.96 ± 0.06 when applied to metabarcoding datasets from Wood Buffalo National Park. Unlike traditional models, LANDMark uses oblique and non-linear decision boundaries, outperforming Random Forest and other classifiers like Linear Support Vector Machines in synthetic tests and real-world applications. Its ability to maintain high predictive accuracy without recursive feature elimination and its capacity to learn smoother non-linear decision boundaries set it apart as a robust tool for biomarker discovery in complex datasets.
Persistence and Serendipity: The Ecological Recovery of North American Bison Populations
North American bison, once dominant herbivores shaping grassland and forest ecosystems from Alaska to Mexico, faced near-extirpation by the early 20th century. However, recent decades have seen remarkable ecological recovery in several locations, including Wood Buffalo National Park, driven by collaborative efforts among private individuals, NGOs, government agencies, and Indigenous peoples. The study highlights successful re-establishment of wild, free-ranging bison populations in Canada, the US, and Mexico, with plans to expand restoration on tribal lands within the next decade. The 2014 Buffalo Treaty, a key milestone, has further propelled these efforts, emphasizing shared stewardship and transboundary conservation. Despite challenges, such as the erasure of bison from public consciousness, this recovery underscores the potential for large-scale wildlife conservation when diverse stakeholders align on long-term goals.
A new lake classification scheme for the Peace-Athabasca Delta (Canada) characterizes hydrological processes that cause lake-level variation
A new lake classification scheme for the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a UNESCO-listed Ramsar Wetland within Wood Buffalo National Park, identifies four distinct patterns of lake-level variation driven by hydrological processes. These include 'Drawdown' (due to evaporation or outflow), 'Stable' levels sustained by rainfall, 'Gradual Rise' from inundation, and 'Rapid Rise' caused by river floodwater input. The study, based on continuous measurements at 50 lakes during the open-water seasons of 2018 and 2019, reveals that river flooding is a significant but under-recognized recharge mechanism, particularly in the Athabasca sector. This classification scheme enhances understanding of lake-level dynamics, which are critical for managing habitat degradation and navigation routes threatened by climate change and upstream energy projects.
Muskrats as a bellwether of a drying delta
A dramatic decline in muskrat populations in Canada’s Peace-Athabasca Deltareveals the severe impact of wetland loss on even generalist species, despite protection. Using population surveys, habitat mapping, and genetic data from 288 individuals, researchers found that while floods can temporarily boost populations to ~500,000, drying reduces them drastically (~10,000). Agent-based modeling showed the population functions as a metapopulation, with dispersal along riparian corridors enabling rapid recovery. Genetic analysis indicated long-term population bottlenecks (Ne: 60–127), suggesting historical declines. The study highlights how wetland loss in protected areas disrupts source-sink dynamics, threatening biodiversity even for adaptable species like muskrats.
Treaty Promises and the Duty to Consult on Legislation
A legal analysis reveals that the Supreme Court of Canada's dismissal of Mikisew Cree First Nation's claim for a duty to consult on environmental legislation contradicts Treaty 8 promises, potentially undermining Indigenous rights. The study argues that the Court's focus on high-level constitutional principles over Treaty 8's specific provisions could have provided an opportunity to reconcile consultation duties with legislative processes without violating separation of powers or parliamentary sovereignty. While practical and normative challenges exist, Treaty 8 offered a unique context for developing this doctrine in a legally sound manner.
A Remote Sensing Approach to Create a 35 Year Time Series of the Hydrology of Perched Basins in the Peace-Athabasca Delta
A comprehensive 35-year time series of hydrological changes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) within Wood Buffalo National Park reveals dynamic inter-seasonal and inter-annual variations in surface water patterns. Using optical and radar imagery from 1984 to 2020, researchers classified thousands of perched basins into hydrological categories—connected, semi-connected, or isolated—and assigned wetland habitat classes. This remote sensing approach provides critical insights for ecological monitoring, supporting the Wood Buffalo Action Plan's Science and Monitoring Theme. The findings underscore the delta's vulnerability to industrial threats beyond park boundaries, emphasizing the need for integrated research and public education tools like interactive maps that combine scientific data with Indigenous knowledge.
Accessing and Mobilizing “New” Data to Evaluate Emerging Environmental Impacts on Semi-Aquatic Mammals
A proposed increase in industrial water withdrawals from the Athabasca River could significantly impact semi-aquatic mammals, including beavers, muskrats, river otters, and mink, in Wood Buffalo National Park's Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD). This study demonstrates that integrating local knowledge with scientific data can enhance decision-making processes while addressing ecological sensitivities. By employing a multi-faceted approach—combining literature reviews, raw data synthesis, and interviews with local experts—the research successfully contextualized potential environmental impacts across five stages of knowledge mobilization: research, dissemination, uptake, implementation, and impact. The cultural significance of these mammals to river communities further facilitated engagement and co-production of solutions among diverse stakeholders.
Past variation in Lower Peace River ice-jam flood frequency
Research on the Lower Peace River ice-jam flood frequency reveals that flood frequency was declining for decades before river regulation, contrary to prior interpretations suggesting acceleration. Paleolimnological records from perched lakes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta indicate increasing lake evaporation during 1880–1967, aligning with long-term climate-driven declines rather than hydroelectric regulation. This study synthesizes traditional knowledge, historical observations, and paleohydrological data to reconcile uncertainties, providing critical insights for UNESCO's assessment of Wood Buffalo National Park's World Heritage status and its federally funded Action Plan.
Upper Elk Point subgroup paleogeography and evaporite distribution with implications for evaporite dissolution, karstification, and carbonate diagenesis in northeastern Alberta
A new paleogeographic reconstruction of the Upper Elk Point subgroup in northeastern Alberta reveals critical insights into evaporite dissolution, karstification, and carbonate diagenesis. The study identifies the La Crete sub-basin as a hotspot for active gypsification—where anhydrite rehydrates to gypsum due to meteoric inflow—and links this process to the formation of porous dedolomite zones in carbonates. These zones act as aquifers, contributing high-salinity Devonian water inflows to oil sands mine pits. Detailed net-thickness mapping of halite, anhydrite, and gypsum shows that sulphate dissolution progresses top-down, with circular karst lakes serving as surface indicators of underlying meteoric conduits. This research provides a robust framework for understanding evaporite distribution, dissolution patterns, and their implications for both geological processes and economic impacts in the region.
Multi-tool diagnosis of an outbreak of ranavirosis in amphibian tadpoles in the Canadian boreal forest
A definitive diagnosis of ranavirosis was established in wild amphibian tadpoles from Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, using a multi-tool approach combining histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and quantitative PCR. The outbreak affected wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) tadpoles, while sympatric Canadian toad (Bufo hemiophrys) tadpoles showed no mortality, suggesting species-specific susceptibility. Key histopathologic lesions included necrosis of the skin, oral mucosa, renal tissues, and branchial epithelium, with skeletal and connective tissues in budding limbs showing intense ranavirus presence even without obvious necrosis. The study highlights the effectiveness of integrating multiple diagnostic techniques to unravel pathogenesis in wild amphibians, providing critical insights into disease emergence linked to developmental stages.
Nested groundwater flow systems in Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta-Northwest Territories, Canada
Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) features hierarchically nested groundwater flow systems—regional, intermediate, and local—that are isolated by the Caribou Mountains, preventing basin-scale fluid intrusion. This study integrated water chemistry, numerical simulation, and surface phenomena to reveal distinct hydrochemical facies with Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) concentrations ranging from <1,000 mg/L to >300,000 mg/L, originating primarily from meteoric water rather than formation fluids. Key interactions—halite dissolution, sulphate mineral dissolution, and carbonate dissolution—shape these waters, reflecting varied flow system scales. Wetlands, springs, saline soils, and geothermal anomalies serve as indicators of discharge from different flow systems, with the Salt Plains exhibiting regional-scale ascent. These findings advance understanding of hydrogeological processes in WBNP, offering critical insights for protecting its unique ecological values.
Relationships between Satellite-Based Spectral Burned Ratios and Terrestrial Laser Scanning
A negative linear relationship was found between spectral burned ratios derived from Landsat satellite images and vegetation density measured by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in unburned plots, with R² values of 0.45 to 0.47, while a non-linear relationship (R² = 0.56–0.59) was observed in burned plots for ground surface strata (0–0.5 m). This study introduces TLS as an objective validation tool for spectral indices, offering a more precise method than traditional visual assessments or satellite-based severity measurements. Conducted in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, the research used TLS-generated 3D data converted to voxels, revealing links between spectral changes and shrub development (unburned plots) or post-fire vegetation recovery (burned plots). As TLS becomes more accessible, this approach promises improved ecological assessments for fire-affected areas.
Serum Biochemical Analytes and Trace Elements in Juvenile Whooping Cranes (Grus americana)
A comparative analysis of serum biochemical analytes and trace elements in juvenile Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) from Wood Buffalo National Park revealed significant differences between wild and captive populations, likely due to dietary variations. The study, conducted by Ratliff and Hartup (2019), sampled 31 wild juveniles aged 49–70 days during midsummer from 2010 to 2012, alongside archived serum and whole blood samples from captive cranes serving as age-matched controls. Reference values for serum biochemical analytes and trace elements were established in captive cranes reared under controlled conditions with known health histories. Statistical differences in blood biochemical profiles and trace element concentrations between wild and captive juveniles were identified, suggesting that dietary factors play a crucial role in the health of this endangered species. This research provides valuable insights into the nutritional and biochemical health of the only self-sustaining migratory population of Whooping Cranes in North America.
The Exhaustion of Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada's largest and the world's second-largest national park, faces severe ecological and cultural degradation due to industrial mega-projects like BC Hydro's W.A.C. Bennett Dam and tar sands oil extraction. These extractivist activities have decimated wildlife and disrupted sacred Indigenous relations with land, leading to a 2014 petition by the Mikisew Cree First Nation to UNESCO to list the park as endangered. The study highlights how these events reflect broader tensions in environmental politics, wilderness conservation, and Indigenous-settler relations within a colonial framework.
The river runs through it: The Athabasca River delivers mercury to aquatic birds breeding far downstream
Aquatic bird eggs collected in the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca exhibit higher mercury (Hg) concentrations following years of high river flow, with Hg availability regulated by riverine processes involving suspended sediment. The study identified that Athabasca River flow, bird food source, and species were key factors influencing egg Hg levels over 2009-2017. Stable Hg isotope analysis revealed differences in Hg composition between high and low flow years, suggesting that increased river discharge enhances Hg transport to downstream ecosystems like Wood Buffalo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This research underscores the Athabasca River's role as a conduit for Hg, with implications for ecological health in sensitive areas.
Urban Buffalo
This study highlights the tension between corporate and Métis perspectives on bison management in Wood Buffalo National Park, particularly concerning oil sands reclamation. It reveals that corporate bison herds, used as symbols of corporate social responsibility, are seen by Métis communities as 'urban buffalos'—distinct from free-roaming populations and representative of an obfuscation of Indigenous legal orders that prioritize autonomy and relationality in human-animal interactions. The research traces the historical regulation of Indigenous harvesting rights within the park, illustrating how federal and provincial policies have restricted movement and access to traditional lands. It also serves as a cautionary tale for the free-roaming Ronald Lake bison population, whose territory is threatened by a proposed open-pit mine. The study calls for wildlife management practices and industrial development to incorporate Métis legal orders and reconciliation in decision-making processes.
Exploring the Egg Lake /?Eghés tu Landscape and the Lake One Trail A Collaboration with Knowledge Holders in Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), renowned for its wildlife and natural heritage, harbors significant cultural heritage that has remained underrecognized. A collaborative study involving Cree and Chipewyan knowledge holders and a Parks Canada archaeologist reveals the profound cultural significance of traditional trails within the park, such as the Lake One Trail. This research demonstrates that Aboriginal cultural landscapes are equally vital to WBNP's identity as its natural values. By documenting the trail's cultural meanings and stories, the study proposes a framework for revising UNESCO's commemorative statement to better reflect this dual heritage.
Northern Bison Sanctuary or Big Ranch? Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo National Park, established in 1922 to protect the last remnant herd of wood bison, stands as North America's largest national park and continues to shelter the continent's biggest free-roaming population of this species. However, the park's wildlife has faced significant and often poorly conceived management interventions, marking it as a notable case study in Canadian conservation history. The analysis delves into the complex interplay between conservation goals and practical management challenges, highlighting the unintended consequences of human intervention on one of Canada's most iconic natural landscapes.
Temporal Patterns of Wildfire Activity in Areas of Contrasting Human Influence in the Canadian Boreal Forest
Human influence in the Canadian boreal forest significantly alters wildfire activity patterns, particularly by increasing fire ignitions while reducing area burned, contrary to trends seen in less impacted regions. A study comparing Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and the Lower Athabasca Plains (LAP) found that human presence dampens or reverses fire activity trends linked to climate change, shifts peak fire activity from summer to spring, weakens the association between fire activity and climate, and introduces shorter cyclical patterns (<8 years) compared to WBNP (>9 years). The research used Singular Spectrum Analysis on wildfire data (1970–2015) to identify these trends. These findings highlight the complex interplay between human activities and natural fire regimes in boreal ecosystems.
Two-decadal trends in aboveground litterfall and net primary production in self-thinning Pinus banksiana stands in Wood Buffalo National Park, NWT, Canada
A two-decade study in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, revealed that aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in self-thinning jack pine stands peaks at around 500 grams per square meter annually in stands aged 30–50 years. The research found a declining trend in ANPP after 50 years, with older stands exhibiting lower biomass turnover rates compared to younger ones. The study employed long-term litterfall collection and biomass estimation using allometric relationships, providing insights into the carbon dynamics of jack pine stands at different stages of self-thinning.
Fuel accumulation in a high-frequency boreal wildfire regime: from wetland to upland
A significant increase in flammable biomass was observed in upland sites within Wood Buffalo National Park over 97 years, particularly in mature moist conifer forests dominated by black spruce or white spruce. This accumulation was not consistent across all wetlands, except where tree cover was dense. The study, conducted in a high-frequency fire regime, measured fuel loading and structure at 66 sites, revealing that canopy fuels drove the increase, while surface fuels remained relatively constant. These findings highlight the role of fuel availability and structure in wildfire dynamics within boreal ecosystems.
Genetic analyses of wild bison in Alberta, Canada: implications for recovery and disease management
A genetic analysis of wild bison populations in Alberta, Canada, reveals that the Harper Creek and Ronald Lake herds are genetically distinct from the diseased Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) herd, despite their proximity. This finding challenges the assumption that neighboring bison were also infected with diseases prevalent in WBNP, suggesting limited contact between these groups. The study used microsatellite genotypes to assess genetic differentiation among free-ranging bison populations, including those in the Northwest Territories and Elk Island National Park. Results indicate that while the Mackenzie and Elk Island populations, founded from WBNP animals in the 1960s, are genetically differentiated, the more recently established Hay Zama population is not. The Harper Creek herd shows significant differentiation from all other studied populations, warranting further investigation for its potential role in bison recovery efforts.
Bayesian Analysis to Evaluate Tests for the Detection of Mycobacterium Bovis Infection in Free-Ranging Wild Bison (Bison Bison Athabascae) in the Absence of a Gold Standard
Bayesian analysis demonstrates that combining the caudal-fold skin test (CFT) with a rapid lateral-flow serologic test (RT) significantly enhances sensitivity for detecting Mycobacterium bovis infection in free-ranging wood bison, offering a promising strategy to improve disease control and eradication efforts. The study estimated the performance of three diagnostic tests—CFT, fluorescent polarization assay (FPA), and RT—using Bayesian modeling without relying on a gold standard. CFT proved most sensitive, while RT was the most specific, with their combination outperforming individual or paired tests in parallel. Prior assumptions influenced absolute estimates but not relative rankings, underscoring Bayesian analysis as a robust tool for ranking diagnostic strategies under field conditions where perfect standards are unattainable.
Comparison of Serum Protein Electrophoresis Values in Wild and Captive Whooping Cranes ( Grus americana )
Wild whooping cranes exhibit distinct serum protein profiles compared to their captive counterparts, reflecting differences in immune stimulation and natural history. Research found that wild juveniles had significantly lower concentrations of most protein fractions than both wild adults and captive juveniles, except for prealbumin and γ globulins. Wild adults also showed higher γ globulin levels than captive adults, likely due to increased antigenic exposure. Captive juveniles displayed lower prealbumin, albumin concentrations, and albumin:globulin ratios compared to captive adults. The study utilized serum samples from wild cranes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (adults) and Wood Buffalo National Park (juveniles), alongside captive crane samples from the International Crane Foundation. This research provides reference intervals for serum protein electrophoresis in captive adult whooping cranes, offering insights into their health and immune response.
140 Effectiveness of Washing Procedures for Removing Brucella Abortus from In Vivo-Derived Wood Bison Embryos
A study on wood bison embryos exposed to Brucella abortus demonstrates that a 10-step washing procedure can effectively remove the pathogen. The research found that 89% of embryos were cleared of Brucella using a wash medium without antibiotics, while 100% were cleared when antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin) were added. Brucella was undetectable in wash media after the third wash in both groups. This validates embryo washing as a reliable technique for producing disease-free wood bison embryos, crucial for conserving genetic diversity in Wood Buffalo National Park, where endemic brucellosis threatens wild herds.
Bat Activity and Use of Hibernacula in Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta
Research in Wood Buffalo National Park reveals significant insights into bat species diversity and seasonal activity, particularly around hibernacula. Over three years of acoustic monitoring and mist netting, scientists documented the presence of Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), and Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in the park's cave hibernaculum. Additionally, migratory species such as Hoary Bats (Lasiurus cinereus) and Eastern Red Bats (Lasiurus borealis) were identified through echolocation recordings, with Hoary Bats present from mid-May to early October and Eastern Red Bats from mid-June to early August. Resident bat activity peaked between mid-June and early September. The study also recorded cave temperatures during hibernation, providing a first approximation of species diversity and seasonal patterns in this northern Canadian ecosystem.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Detected Anthrax Outbreaks in Wild Wood Bison (Bison Bison Athabascae) in Northern Canada, 1962–2008
Between 1962 and 2008, anthrax outbreaks in wild wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) in Wood Buffalo National Park and the Slave River Lowlands resulted in 1,515 detected deaths, with an average of 126 carcasses per outbreak. Outbreaks lasted 16–44 days on average but were not randomly distributed; those starting in July caused more fatalities than those beginning in June. Males were disproportionately affected, and no clear spatial pattern emerged. The study suggests targeting bulls for surveillance and extending monitoring beyond three weeks post-outbreak detection to improve data accuracy. Inconsistent record-keeping historically hindered analysis, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across jurisdictions.
An ATK-based approach to management of critical caribou ranges in northern Alberta
Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK) from the Little Red River Cree Nation (LRRCN) reveals that current maps of critical caribou habitat around Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) may be inaccurate. This insight suggests that integrating ATK with scientific data could enhance conservation strategies for caribou recovery. The proposed approach would use WBNP as a foundational 'anchor' and designate extensive provincial crown forest lands as protected areas, fostering collaborative management to support caribou population restoration.
Demography and population trends of Whooping Cranes
A comprehensive analysis of Whooping Crane (Grus americana) demography reveals that the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge/Wood Buffalo National Park population is unlikely to reach the target down-listing size of 1000 individuals by 2035, potentially delaying this milestone until the mid-2060s. Researchers estimated age-specific survival and natality rates using data from 12 cohorts of banded cranes, parameterizing an age-structured density-dependent model to project population sizes under different wintering ground carrying capacity scenarios. Findings indicate that even if all suitable habitat within a 100-km radius of their current range is occupied, the population may only reach approximately 700 individuals by 2035. The study highlights the potential for decreased growth rates due to territorial behavior and faithfulness to migratory routes, suggesting long-term challenges for recovery efforts.
Genetic Diversity among Bacillus anthracis Soil Isolates at Fine Geographic Scales
A study of Bacillus anthracis isolates from carcass sites in Wood Buffalo National Park and the Hook Lake Region revealed significant genetic diversity at fine geographic scales, challenging assumptions about hierarchical typing methods. While multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA15) grouped isolates into two clades, single-nucleotide-repeat analysis (SNRA) distinguished isolates even within a single carcass site, indicating finer-scale genetic variation than previously recognized. The findings suggest that SNRA may be more sensitive for detecting subtle genetic differences in B. anthracis populations, raising questions about the robustness of current typing approaches.
227 Superovulation and Embryo Collection in Wood Bison During the Anovulatory Season
Embryo collection is feasible in wood bison during the anovulatory season, but only when using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for ovulation induction. This study tested whether progesterone priming or the type of hormone (LH or hCG) affects superovulation and embryo yield in wood bison, a species threatened by endemic diseases like brucellosis and tuberculosis in Wood Buffalo National Park. Researchers synchronized follicular waves in 32 bison cows using transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle ablation, then randomly assigned them to receive either LH or hCG with or without progesterone priming (PRID). While progesterone priming had no significant effect on ovulation rates, hCG treatment alone significantly increased the number of corpora lutea and embryo collection success. Despite successful embryo retrieval in some cases, the overall low collection rate remains unexplained. This finding is crucial for disease-free repopulation efforts, offering a potential tool to preserve genetically valuable individuals.
R v Syncrude Canada: A Clash of Bitumen and Birds
A tragic event at Syncrude Canada’s Aurora North tar sands mine in Wood Buffalo National Park revealed the lethal consequences of bitumen extraction on migratory birds. On 28 April 2008, approximately 1,600 birds died after landing on a tailings pond, where warm bitumen froth created an attractive but deadly resting spot for exhausted or weather-affected migrants en route to the Peace Athabasca delta. The study highlights the ecological risks posed by industrial activities in critical bird migration pathways, emphasizing the need for mitigating measures to prevent such disasters. The research approach combines field observations with legal analysis, underscoring the intersection of environmental science and regulatory challenges.
321 Ovarian Superstimulation and Oocyte Collection in Wood Bison, a Threatened Canadian Species
A breakthrough in wood bison conservation, a threatened Canadian species, has been achieved through the successful development of an ovarian superstimulatory protocol. This method significantly increases oocyte collection rates, crucial for in vitro embryo production to support repopulation efforts. Researchers found that using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) resulted in more than twice the number of viable oocytes compared to equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Specifically, FSH-treated bison yielded 7.2 ± 1.4 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) of acceptable quality versus 3.4 ± 0.6 for eCG-treated ones. The study employed transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration, demonstrating its efficacy in collecting high-quality oocytes from superstimulated wood bison. This advancement, funded by Canadian agricultural grants and supported by Bioniche Animal Health Canada, offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by endemic diseases like tuberculosis and brucellosis in wild herds.
A climatologically based long-range fire growth model
A climatologically based long-range fire growth model demonstrates strong agreement with deterministic fire growth models, validating its probabilistic approach for predicting wildfire extent. The model integrates fire spread probabilities and survival likelihoods, derived from 30 years of fire weather data and fuel type variations. By combining exponential distributions of potential spread rates across eight compass directions with Markov chain predictions of duff moisture code evolution, the model generates probable fire extent maps. A comparative study within Wood Buffalo National Park showed that this long-term probabilistic approach closely matches hourly-based deterministic simulations, even when introducing heterogeneous fuels and weather conditions. This finding supports the model's utility for large-scale wildfire risk assessment in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wood Buffalo National Park.
Comparison of Test Performance and Evaluation of Novel Immunoassays for Tuberculosis in a Captive Herd of Wood Bison Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium Bovis
A study comparing tuberculosis diagnostic tests in a captive herd of wood bison revealed significant variability in test performance, with sensitivities ranging from 50% to 92% and specificities from 34% to 100%. While the multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA) showed high sensitivity and agreed significantly with the rapid test (RT), no single test consistently detected all infected individuals. The research suggests that using multiple tests, particularly those incorporating multiple antigens, can optimize detection of bovine tuberculosis in bison, though even comprehensive testing may fail to identify all infected animals.
Lost Tracks: Buffalo National Park, 1909–1939 (review)
A comprehensive historical analysis of Buffalo National Park (1909–1939) reveals the rise and fall of Canada's first bison conservation effort, marked by mismanagement, commercial exploitation, and ecological failure. The study highlights how predator control and fenced ranges led to herd overpopulation, while disease management and revenue schemes—such as selling excess bison meat and promoting cattle-bison hybrids—compromised conservation goals. By the 1930s, the park's bison population was diseased and starving, culminating in their slaughter in 1939. The research uses micro-historical methods to contextualize broader trends in wildlife conservation, arguing that commercial motives undermined early efforts to restore plains bison. While the study links past failures to contemporary disease issues in Wood Buffalo National Park, it suggests deeper exploration of bison commercialization could strengthen its relevance.
Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada Alberta and Northwest Territories
Wood Buffalo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning Canada's Alberta and Northwest Territories, stands as a critical ecosystem shaped by the interplay of boreal forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This study highlights its unique significance, emphasizing the park's role in conserving one of the world's largest populations of wood bison while integrating Indigenous knowledge to preserve its cultural and ecological heritage. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing traditional Aboriginal perspectives alongside scientific data to reveal the 'spirit of the place,' offering a holistic understanding of the site's value. This dual perspective enriches conservation strategies by bridging Indigenous wisdom with modern environmental science.
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