Avian Colonization of Reclaimed Areas on the Suncor Lease

Reclamation activities on the Suncor lease have resulted in the
development of a variety of habitat types over the past nineteen
years. Many reclamation areas assume a patchy habitat type which
results in the presence of a number of micro-habitats within
relatively small areas. The habitats developed on reclamation
areas have been colonized by avian and mammalian species. Avian
species diversity is very high with 221 species recorded on the
3035 hectare lease. Avifauna enhancement devices have been used
to increase the abundance of particular species while vegetation
matures on the reclamation area. The abundance and diversity of
avian and mammalian species recorded on the Suncor reclamation
sites indicate the success of the program in terms of creation
of viable wildlife habitat.