Presentation summary:
For many, badgers remain an elusive grassland animal known mainly for the big holes they leave behind. The numerous big holes, and associated burrow mounds, can be a concern for those living and working in these landscapes - often resulting in their removal. What is lesser known is why you might want to keep badgers around. As an animal that predominantly predates on rodents, the badger contributes to regulating populations of species such as ground squirrels, voles and mice. Digging of burrow networks has many benefits that include enhancing vegetative diversity and soil structure, mitigating water infiltration, and improving nutrient cycling. Badgers also create habitat for a diverse array of neighbouring species, including over 27 different Species at Risk (i.e., burrowing owls). Badgers are a native species to the prairie and can play an essential role in maintaining the health of these ranges. Finding ways to coexist with badgers will result in many positive benefits to grasslands and the species that depend on them, both the four-legged and two-legged.
About the Speaker:
Nikki Heim has been working in the field of natural resource sciences for over 20 years throughout western Canada and north-western United States. She held roles in terrestrial wildlife ecology, focusing on understanding population dynamics of medium to large sized carnivores and promoting wildlife co-existence. Nikki completed a masters of science examining cumulative impacts to wolverine and the carnivore community found in the central Rocky Mountains. Nikki was first introduced to badgers as a technician on a research project in central British Columbia. Nikki currently resides in Canmore, Alberta where she enjoys spending time on the interface of the mountain and prairie landscapes.