Ranking Vertebrate Biodiversity in Boreal Wetlands Habitats of Alberta using the Enhanced Wetlands Classification System

The Enhanced Wetlands Classification System is a tool developed for resource managers to identify the biodiversity potential of habitats within the boreal region of Alberta. To develop this tool, researchers catalogued 239 vertebrate species, grouped them into five "Key Species" categories based on ecological and cultural significance, and examined their habitat preferences. Using indices of species richness, overlap, and rarity, a biodiversity ranking matrix was created for each "Key Species" category, plus a combined category. When used alongside Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Enhanced Wetland Classification (EWC), this tool offers a representation of how the biodiversity of vertebrate species varies throughout the landscape.

Patterns in biodiversity rankings revealed that certain habitat types consistently support more vertebrate species than others. High-value habitats included Emergent Marsh, Mixedwood Swamp, Meadow Marsh, Open Water, and Shrub Swamp, while Graminoid Fens and Mixedwood Uplands showed moderate potential, and Burn sites, Clearcuts, and Bogs had low biodiversity scores. Although management actions should not be based solely on these findings, they highlight habitats that are likely more critical for conservation. This tool offers a practical way to compare biodiversity across landscapes and guide deeper ecological investigations.