Rosebud Biodiversity Survey

The Will Farms Bioblitz, conducted within the Rosebud Valley of Southern Alberta, provides a snapshot of biodiversity across this ecologically significant landscape. Supported by grant funding from the Weston Family Prairie Grassland Initiative Stewardship Investment Program, and partnership between Elaine Bellamy of Will Farms and Western Sky Land Trust, the bioblitz focused on documenting species across diverse habitats to guide conservation efforts and enhance our understanding of the region’s biodiversity.

1,875

Field Observations

680

Identified Species

JasonHeadley-0M3A5188-Enhanced-NR(3).png

63 Species of Birds

34 Species of Arachnids

2 Species of Snakes

Glyceria grandis American Manna Grass.jpg

215 Species of Plants

12 Species of Mammals

7 Species of Mites and Ticks

Trichodes nuttalli (Red-blue Checkered Beetle).jpg

322 Species of Insects

Circinaria hispida (Desert Vagabond Lichen).jpg

20 Species of Fungi & Lichens

5 Species of Springtails

Each image provides a snapshot of biodiversity, often capturing ecological interactions such as pollination events or species assemblages, offering insights beyond species identification. All wildlife detected by sight, sound, or sign were recorded, creating a dynamic dataset that will evolve over time with additional identifications and expert contributions.

In 2024, while conducting the Will Farms Bioblitz—documenting over 1,875 observations of 680 species in the Rosebud Valley—we also produced two short films for the Alberta Community Bat Program. These films highlight the valley's cliffs and rugged habitats, emphasizing their importance as hibernation sites for bats, including the Western Small-footed Bat.

01:46

Rosebud River Valley: A Crucial Habitat for Alberta's Bats

Explore the vital role of the Rosebud River Valley in Alberta, a breathtaking and crucial habitat for bats. This video takes you into the heart of this scenic region to uncover why it stands as one of the most important overwintering sites for bats in the province. Learn more about the ongoing efforts to conserve Alberta's bats and how you can help at Albertabats.ca and savetherosebud.ca

01:25

Bat Hibernation in the Badlands: Secrets Beneath the Surface

Deep in narrow crevices, sheltered from the cold, several species of bats hibernate through the harsh winter months. Among these species are the Big Brown Bat, Long-eared Myotis, Western Small-footed Myotis, and potentially the Endangered Little Brown Myotis, a species that has faced dramatic declines due to white-nose syndrome. These bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, consuming thousands of insects each night during the warmer months. By reducing insect numbers, they help farmers and ecosystems by naturally keeping pests in check, reducing the need for pesticides. The badlands, far from lifeless, are a vital part of our natural heritage, home to species whose survival depends on the preservation of these rugged landscapes. The more we look, the more we realize the value in protecting these hidden sanctuaries for future generations. For more information about Alberta's bats, visit: AlbertaBats.ca #bats #alberta #biodiversity #insectcontrol #hibernation #conservation