Early Successional Wildlife Monitoring Program Canadian Natural Resources Limited Horizon Oil Sands

This project implemented the Early Successional Wildlife Monitoring Program on the Horizon Oil Sands lease to evaluate wildlife return to and use of reclaimed lands. Systematic surveys were conducted in 2013 for amphibians, small mammals, songbirds, and bats across ten plots, supplemented with incidental wildlife observations. Data collection documented 133 species, including 27 mammals, 103 birds, and 3 amphibians, providing a benchmark for reclamation progress. Comparisons were made between reclamation areas, burned reference sites, Horizon Lake, and mature forest habitats to assess differences in wildlife communities. Key indicators were tracked at each site, with the highest diversity recorded in mature forest north of Horizon Lake. These findings contribute to long-term monitoring required under environmental regulations and support reclamation certification goals.

Results indicate reclaimed habitats are supporting a wide variety of wildlife species, with richness comparable to reference and mature forest sites. Small mammal communities showed strong seasonal differences, while red-backed voles dominated fall captures across most locations. Eight bat species were documented, including two federally endangered species, with activity highest around Horizon Lake and mature forests. Amphibians were widely distributed, with opportunistic wetlands on reclamation areas providing breeding habitat for wood frogs and chorus frogs. Songbird surveys revealed distinct communities tied to habitat type, with early seral sparrows dominating reclamation areas and sensitive species such as barn swallow and Canada warbler also detected. Overall, the program demonstrates early signs of successful habitat use in reclaimed areas while emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to capture trends and guide adaptive management.