Species at Risk

Peregrine Falcon (anatum subspecies)

Why protect the Peregrine Falcon?

As predatory birds at the top of their food chain, peregrine falcons are important both to the ecosystem and to biodiversity in Canada. They continue to be vulnerable to the effects of chemical pollutants such as pesticides. Anyone who has seen the amazing aerobatics of peregrine falcons in flight would agree that this majestic bird should be protected for the benefit of future generations.

In Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service has a lead role in the management and protection of peregrine falcons, with the assistance of other partners. Management and protection of the Northeastern Alberta population has been a joint effort between the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Alberta government (Sustainable Resource Development), and Parks Canada (Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada).

What is Parks Canada doing to protect the Peregrine Falcon?

Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada protects nesting sites of the peregrine falcon. These sites are classified as Zone 1 Special Preservation under the Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada Management Plan. Public access is prohibited due to the extreme sensitivity of the birds while they are nesting and raising their young.

Park resource conservation staff assist Canadian Wildlife Service and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development staff with ecological monitoring, research, and annual nesting surveys. As a result of these efforts, the Northeastern Alberta population has increased from a low of nine pairs in 1990, to 31 pairs in 2005.

The presence of Peregrine falcons in Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada is very special, and is one reason why the park is a World Heritage Site.