Effects of Human Footprint on Habitat Suitability
Summary of the impacts of industrial sector footprints on habitat suitability for species across six taxonomic groups in Tolko's Southern Operating Area.
Habitat suitability declined for 59% of species where human footprint occurred.
- Habitat suitability was lower within human footprint compared to the native vegetation it replaced for ~59% of species across six taxonomic groups.
- Lichens and mosses were the most negatively affected by human footprint, while other species groups, particularly birds and vascular plants, exhibited a broader range of responses to different sectors.
- Forestry resulted in stronger negative effects on species reliant on old, upland forest stands.
- All sectors increase habitat suitability for species associated with open and/or disturbed habitat.
- Sectors such as energy and transportation have reduced impact at the regional scale because of their smaller footprint.
Introduction
As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, industries seek to understand how their activities impact species and their habitats.
Identifying the species most affected by a particular industrial sector can aid in land-use planning and, if necessary, creating mitigation strategies. However, with multiple industries operating within the same land base, disentangling the specific impacts of each industry on different species can be challenging.
Tolko harvests deciduous tree species in its Southern Operating Area, where it shares tenure with other forestry companies and industrial developments such as oil and gas.
In this section we summarize the local and regional impacts of different types of human footprint (i.e., energy, forestry, urban/industrial, transportation) on the habitat suitability of species in the Southern Operating Area.
Examples of how species are impacted by different types of human footprint
Forest harvesting can increase the availability of berries—an important food source for bears.
Forest harvesting decreases habitat suitability for old-forest species, like the Brown Creeper.
Linear footprint, such as seismic lines and roads, increases the movement of predators such as wolves.
Human footprint decreases habitat suitability for most mosses. Purple moss (Ceratodon purpureus) is one of only a few moss species that is commonly found in different types of human footprint.
Results
Impacts of Human Footprint on Biodiversity
The ABMI assessed the impacts of human footprint from four different sectors—energy, forestry, transportation, and urban/industrial—on six taxonomic groups in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area. Impacts are assessed within each specific footprint, and at the regional scale. Because agriculture footprint is so small and localized in this landscape, its impacts are not discussed.
The ABMI reports on two aspects of these “sector effects”:
- Local Sector Effects: reflect how habitat suitability changes in areas directly impacted by industrial activities.
- Regional Sector Effects: indicate how habitat suitability across a region is changed by the footprint of each sector. This incorporates the area of the footprint, the native habitats impacted where the footprint occurs, and the species’ response to a particular footprint. The calculation incorporates the entire land base of the Southern Operating Area, large tracts of which have minimal human footprint.
Click on a tab below to view sector effects results for each taxonomic group:
Birds
Impacts of Human Footprint on Birds
The graphs below show the distribution of bird species' responses to different sectors at the local scale (i.e., within the footprint) and at the regional scale. Examples of how different bird species respond to all sector effects combined at the regional scale include:
Black-throated Green Warbler (-28%)
Black-throated Green Warbler is strongly associated with mature/old deciduous forest habitat and large White Spruce trees. Habitat suitability is predicted to decrease for this species in the Southern Operating Area.
Eastern Phoebe (no change)
Eastern Phoebe is associated with wooded habitats, but will live in open areas or even disturbed areas if there is access to sheltered nesting sites. Habitat suitability for this species is not predicted to change.
Alder Flycatcher (+54%)
Alder Flycatcher is associated with shrubs and young deciduous stands, particularly those created by forest harvest. Habitat suitability is predicted to increase for this species.
Graph Interpretation
Local Sector Effects
At the local scale, in areas where footprint occurs, birds show a mixed response to the four industrial sectors in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Within forestry footprint, habitat suitability is improved for 56% of bird species. Some species, such as Lincoln’s Sparrow, are associated with early seral forests and do well in young harvest areas, while others live in open habitats like fields and wet areas. The bird species that respond most negatively are all associated with mature/old forest.
- Within energy footprint, habitat suitability increases for 55% of bird species.
- Urban/industrial and transportation footprint types reduce the habitat suitability for the majority of bird species (88% and 80%, respectively) compared to the native habitat they replace, and provide unsuitable habitat for a few species (-100% change). But there are some habitat generalists that thrive in these footprint types.
- In each footprint type habitat suitability is greatly improved for several bird species (>100%). These species are rare in native habitats but do well in footprint.
Regional Sector Effects
At the regional scale, overall human footprint lowers habitat suitability for 56% of bird species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint has the greatest effects on regional habitat suitability for birds compared to other sectors in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area because it occupies the greatest area; effects ranged from a 27% loss in habitat (Black-throated Green Warbler) to a 52% gain in habitat (Alder Flycatcher).
- The limited extent of the other sectors reduces their effects on the regional habitat suitability for birds, generally ranging from a 2% loss to a 6% gain in habitat.
- Forestry has somewhat stronger negative effects (>20%) on habitat suitability for several bird species that are associated with the older upland forests where this sector operates (e.g., Black-throated Green Warbler at -27% and Golden-crowned Kinglet at -25%).
- The remaining sectors are spread across all habitat types, preventing disproportionate negative effects on any species.
- Forestry produces large increases in the regional habitat suitability for several species of birds, including Alder Flycatcher (+52%) and Ruffed Grouse (+23%). These species either prefer recent harvest areas, or prefer open habitats and ground disturbances.
Sector Effects by Taxonomic Group
To view sector effect results for individual bird species, use the search bar to find a species or select your species of interest from the dropdown menu. Once you click on a species in the dropdown menu, the sector effects graphs will appear in the space below.
Mammals
Impacts of Human Footprint on Mammals
The graphs below show the distribution of mammal species' responses to different sectors at the local scale (i.e., within the footprint) and at the regional scale. Examples of how different mammal species respond to all sector effects combined at the regional scale include:
Elk (-16%)
Elk habitat preference varies throughout the year, but habitat suitability increases with forest stand age. Habitat suitability is predicted to decrease for this species in the Southern Operating Area.
Red Fox (no change)
Red Fox is a habitat generalist, using a variety of habitat types and human footprint types. Habitat suitability for this species is not predicted to change.
Striped Skunk (+8%)
Striped Skunk is typically associated with open grasslands, and responds positively to human footprint. Habitat suitability is predicted to increase for this species.
Graph Interpretation
Local Sector Effects
At the local scale, in areas where human footprint occurs, habitat suitability is reduced for the majority of mammal species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint has a smaller effect on habitat suitability for mammals compared to other industrial sectors, and improves habitat suitability for 7 of 14 mammal species.
- Habitat is increased for most mammal species in energy (8 species), and decreased for most in urban/industrial (10 species) and transportation footprints (9 species).
- The species that lose habitat in all sector footprints are Marten and Fisher, which typically live in older forests, and Black Bear, which is often found in forests and along forest edges.
- Habitat suitability is improved in all footprint types for the Coyote, which is a generalist species.
Regional Sector Effects
Most large mammals that the ABMI monitors with wildlife cameras are habitat generalists or use early seral habitat, and show relatively little response to scattered human footprint.
- Forestry and energy footprints have the greatest effects on regional mammal populations compared to other sectors in the Southern Operating Area, with changes in habitat suitability ranging from a 16% loss to a 21% gain in habitat. The largest decrease across footprint types was for Elk, with suitable habitat declining by 16% due to forestry footprint.
- The limited extent of the other sectors reduces their effects on the regional populations of mammals, with responses within ±2% of intact reference conditions.
Sector Effects by Taxonomic Group
To view sector effect results for individual mammal species, use the search bar to find a species or select your species of interest from the dropdown menu. Once you click on a species in the dropdown menu, the sector effects graphs will appear in the space below.
Soil Mites
Impacts of Human Footprint on Soil Mites
The graphs below show the distribution of soil mite species' responses to different sectors at the local scale (i.e., within the footprint) and at the regional scale. Examples of how different soil mite species respond to all sector effects combined at the regional scale include:
Neogymnobates luteus (-18%)
Neogymnobates luteus (-18%) is associated with older coniferous forests, increasing in abundance with stand age. It is negatively affected by human footprint, and habitat suitability for this species is predicted to decrease in the Southern Operating Area.
Hoplophthiracarus illinoisensis (no change)
Hoplophthiracarus illinoisensis is most commonly found in different wetland vegetation types in the boreal forest as well as Black Spruce forest. Habitat suitability for this species is not predicted to change.
Hermanniella robusta (+14%)
Hermanniella robusta (+14%) is strongly associated with harvested forest stands; habitat suitability is predicted to increase for this species.
Graph Interpretation
Local Sector Effects
At the local scale, in areas where human footprint occurs, habitat suitability is reduced for 58% of soil mite species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint decreases habitat suitability for 53% of soil mite species. Some, such as Neogymnobates luteus, are strongly associated with old coniferous forest stands.
- Habitat suitability decreases for the majority of soil mite species in energy (59%) and transportation footprints (65%).
- Urban/industrial footprint reduces habitat suitability for all but five soil mite species. This footprint compacts soil and removes important habitat elements for soil mites, such as layers of leaf litter.
Regional Sector Effects
At the regional scale, overall human footprint lowers habitat suitability for 58% of soil mite species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint results in the greatest changes in habitat suitability at the regional scale compared to other sectors because it occupies the greatest area; effects ranged from a 33% loss in habitat (Epidamaeus sp. 1 DEW) to a gain of 15% (Hermanniella robusta).
- Some of the strongest negative effects of forestry footprint are found in species, such as Epidamaeus sp. 5 DEW (-18%) and Neogymnobates luteus (-17%), that are associated with the older upland forests where this sector operates.
- The limited extent of the other sectors reduces their effects on the regional habitat suitability for soil mites, with responses falling generally within ±2% of intact reference conditions.
Sector Effects by Taxonomic Group
To view sector effect results for individual soil mite species, use the search bar to find a species or select your species of interest from the dropdown menu. Once you click on a species in the dropdown menu, the sector effects graphs will appear in the space below.
Vascular Plants
Impacts of Human Footprint on Vascular Plants
The graphs below show the distribution of vascular plant species' responses to different sectors at the local scale (i.e., within the footprint) and at the regional scale. Examples of how different vascular plant species respond to all sector effects combined at the regional scale include:
Lady Fern (-21%)
Lady Fern is associated with mature/old forest stands, and responds negatively to human footprint. Habitat suitability is predicted to decrease for this species in the Southern Operating Area.
Low Bush Cranberry (no change)
Low Bush Cranberry is widespread across all forest types in Alberta. Habitat suitability for this species is not predicted to change.
Toad Rush (+58%)
Toad Rush is associated with open habitats and responds positively to human footprint. Habitat suitability is predicted to increase for this species.
Graph Interpretation
Local Sector Effects
At the local scale, in areas where human footprint occurs, habitat suitability is reduced for 55% of the vascular plant species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Habitat suitability is improved for at least 50% of vascular plant species in forestry (50%), energy (60%), and transportation (53%) footprints.
- Urban/industrial footprint has the largest overall effect, with habitat suitability decreasing for 84% of vascular plant species.
- In each footprint type there are several vascular plant species that have very large percent increases (>100%) in habitat suitability. Many of these species are pioneer species—species that colonize new or recently disturbed environments—that do well in human footprint.
Regional Sector Effects
At the regional scale, overall human footprint lowers habitat suitability for 55% of vascular plant species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint has the greatest effects on regional habitat suitability for vascular plants compared to other sectors in the Southern Operating Area because it occupies the greatest area; effects range from a 32% loss in habitat (Clasping Leaved Twisted Stalk) to a 61% gain (Hay Sedge).
- The limited extent of the other sectors reduces their effects on the regional populations of vascular plants, with responses within ±2% of intact reference conditions.
- Forestry has somewhat stronger negative effects on the regional populations of several vascular plant species (e.g., Clasping Leaved Twisted Stalk at -32% and Spreading Sweet Cicely at -25%) that are associated with the older upland forests where this sector operates.
- Forestry produces large increases in the regional habitat suitability for several species of vascular plants, such as Hay Sedge (61%). These species either prefer recent harvest areas, or prefer open habitats and ground disturbances.
Sector Effects by Taxonomic Group
To view sector effect results for individual vascular plant species, use the search bar to find a species or select your species of interest from the dropdown menu. Once you click on a species in the dropdown menu, the sector effects graphs will appear in the space below.
Mosses
Impacts of Human Footprint on Mosses
The graphs below show the distribution of moss species' responses to different sectors at the local scale (i.e., within the footprint) and at the regional scale. Examples of how different moss species respond to all sector effects combined at the regional scale include:
Red-stemmed Pipecleaner Moss (-32%)
Red-stemmed Pipecleaner Moss is associated with old White Spruce and deciduous stands, with suitability increasing with age in all forest types, and is negatively affected by human footprint. Habitat suitability is predicted to decrease for this species in the Southern Operating Area.
Cushion Moss (Climacium dendroides; no change)
Cushion Moss (Climacium dendroides) is found across all forest types and most vegetation types, as well in areas with human footprint. Habitat suitability for this species is not predicted to change.
Bonfire Moss (+35%)
Bonfire Moss is associated with young deciduous forests, harvested stands of all types, and non-agricultural human footprint. Habitat suitability is predicted to increase for this species.
Graph Interpretation
Local Sector Effects
At the local scale, in areas where human footprint occurs, habitat suitability is reduced for 63% of the moss species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- In forestry footprint, habitat suitability is reduced for 58% of moss species. Many mosses are associated with habitat elements that are most abundant in old forests, such as downed wood and moist, shaded habitat.
- Habitat suitability decreases for 77% and 72% of moss species in energy and transportation footprints, respectively.
- Urban/industrial footprint reduces habitat suitability for all but six moss species. Many species simply cannot live in this footprint type.
- One species, Bonfire Moss, shows a strong increase in habitat suitability in all sectors. Bonfire Moss is not strongly associated with forest stands, and responds positively to some human footprint types.
Regional Sector Effects
At the regional scale, overall human footprint lowers habitat suitability for 63% of moss species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint has the greatest effects on regional habitat suitability for mosses compared to other sectors in the Southern Operating Area because it occupies the greatest area; effects range from a 31% loss in habitat (Red-stemmed Pipecleaner Moss) to a 30% gain (Bonfire Moss).
- The limited extent of the other sectors reduces their effects on the regional habitat suitability for mosses, with most responses falling within ±2% of intact reference conditions.
- Forestry has somewhat stronger negative effects on the regional populations of several moss species—for example, Red-mouthed Leafy Moss, at -20%—that are associated with the older upland forests where this sector operates.
Sector Effects by Taxonomic Group
To view sector effect results for individual moss species, use the search bar to find a species or select your species of interest from the dropdown menu. Once you click on a species in the dropdown menu, the sector effects graphs will appear in the space below.
Lichens
Impacts of Human Footprint on Lichens
The graphs below show the distribution of lichen species' responses to different sectors at the local scale (i.e., within the footprint) and at the regional scale. Examples of how different lichen species respond to all sector effects combined at the regional scale include:
Lung Lichen (-40%)
Lung Lichen is associated with old forest stands, with suitability increasing with age in all types, and is negatively affected by human footprint. Habitat suitability is predicted to decrease for this species in the Southern Operating Area.
Physcia stellaris grp. (no change)
Physcia stellaris grp. is associated with all ages of deciduous and mixedwood stands, along with several vegetation types and human footprint types. Habitat suitability for this species is not predicted to change.
Peltigera didactyla grp. (+33%)
Peltigera didactyla grp. is associated with young forest stands, including those created by forest harvest. Habitat suitability is predicted to increase for this species.
Graph Interpretation
Local Sector Effects
At the local scale, in areas where human footprint occurs, habitat suitability is reduced for 87% of lichen species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Habitat suitability is reduced for the majority of lichen species in forestry (77%), energy (90%), and transportation footprints (89%). Lichens are sensitive to changes in microclimate (local temperature, humidity) and amount of ambient rain and dust, all of which can be affected by human footprint.
- Urban/industrial footprint reduces the abundance of all lichen species by at least 29%. Many species simply cannot live in this footprint type.
- Habitat suitability increases in human footprint for a few lichen species, mainly in forest harvest areas.
Regional Sector Effects
At the regional scale, overall human footprint lowers habitat suitability for 82% of lichen species in Tolko’s Southern Operating Area.
- Forestry footprint has the greatest effects on regional habitat suitability for lichens compared to other sectors in the Southern Operating Area because it occupies the greatest area; effects range from a 39% loss in habitat (Lung Lichen) to a 34% gain (Peltigera didactyla grp.).
- The limited extent of the other sectors reduces their effects on the regional habitat suitability for lichens, with all responses falling within ±2% of intact reference conditions.
- Several lichen species are associated with the older upland forests where forestry operates. Habitat suitability for these species is predicted to decrease by at least 25% at the regional scale due to forestry footprint. For example, Angel's Hair and Milky-skin Centipede Lichen are expected to decline by 26% and 25%, respectively.
Sector Effects by Taxonomic Group
To view sector effect results for individual lichen species, use the search bar to find a species or select your species of interest from the dropdown menu. Once you click on a species in the dropdown menu, the sector effects graphs will appear in the space below.