Wolverine and Highways Research

We are evaluating the potential effects of a major east-west transportation corridor - the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) - on wolverine movements and gene flow in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The TCH mitigation is the first of its kind within the range of wolverines in North America. Our research will have immediate implications for design of transportation systems. It will provide evidence-based data for a species that is fast-becoming a benchmark for large-scale connectivity.

Using two non-invasive methods (hair snagging and remote cameras) over a 6000 km2 study area, our main objectives are to estimate population size, model habitat occupancy, and assess fine-scale genetic structure across the TCH and other potential barriers.

From 2010-2013, our research will address for the first time the crossing structure design requirements of wolverines in western North America. Additionally, it will provide the first information on wolverine occupancy and habitat relationships in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

To learn about the 2010-2011 research program and its results, please read the following documents:

Summary of Wolverine Research 2010-2011
Wolverine Research - Annual Report

Wolverine Watch

Wolverine Watch is a citizen science component of the wolverine research. We have asked backcountry enthusiasts in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks and Kananaskis Country to report wolverine sightings or signs (tracks, scats) using our online mapping tool.

Want to get involved? Wolverine survey work will continue in the winter of 2012-2013 and we will be looking for assistants to help us set and check hair traps. Please contact Tony Clevenger if you would like to volunteer.

Links to other wolverine projects

Alberta Wolverine Working Group - www.albertawolverine.com
The Wolverine Blog - egulo.wordpress.com
Wolverine Foundation - www.wolverinefoundation.org
Wolverine Network - www.wolverinenetwork.org