Roads | Boreal At Memorial

Roads

Roads and other linear developments seem insignificant as they account for less than 1.5% of land area in Canada. Roads have seen an increase in construction in recent history due to the increase in population and industrial development. In order for industries like oil, mining, and hydro-electrical to function roads must be built to access these remote locations, seismic lines are also created throughout the Boreal. These lines are used for finding oil, gas and minerals; in the past these lines were 6 to 8 meters wide though this has decreases in recent years.

Roads and seismic line network across a portion of Alberta. Photo credit Letham et al 2011

Fragmentation

These linear developments contribute to habitat fragmentation which has been linked to disruption of flight patterns of songbirds, and dispersal of land animals. One such animal that is potentially effected by this fragmentation in the marten of Newfoundland which has been protected since the 1930's and has seen its population fall to 300 individuals. Martens rely on a variety of connected habitats, that if disturbed or disrupted may effect the martens lifestyle.

Caribou

However the most significant effect of linear developments is on the populations of woodland caribou. Caribou travel inland avoiding established roadways on which their main predator the wolf travels. With the vast increase of the road network wolves are able to hunt much more efficiently. The wolves success has led to the endangerment of caribou.

References:

Kyle C.J and Strobeck C. 2003. Genetic homogeneity of Canadian mainland marten populations underscores the distinctiveness of Newfoundland pine martens (Martes americana atrata). Canadian Journal of Zoology 81(1): 57-66.

Latham D.M. et al. 2011. Movement responses by wolves to industrial linear features and their effect on woodland caribou in northeastern Alberta. Ecological Applications 21(8).

St-Laurent M.H. 2009. Dissecting habitat loss and fragmentation effects following logging in boreal forest: Conservation perspectives from landscape simulations. Biological Conservation 142(10): 2240-2249.

Tremblay M.A. and St Clair C.C. 2011. Permeability of a heterogeneous urban landscape to the movements of forest songbirds. Journal of Applied Ecology 48: 679-688.