prairie near front range of Alberta (c) 2005 Scott and Ruth Bassett
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Montana Valley and Foothill grasslands
(WWF
ecoregion NA0808)
View National Geographic WildWorld profile,(WildWorld
WWF Wildfinder animal species list
prairie near front range of Alberta
(c)
2005 Scott and
Ruth Bassett
Source of bioregions data:
Olson, D. M. and
E. Dinerstein. The Global 200: Priority ecoregions for global conservation. (PDF
file) Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 89:125-126.
Distinctiveness (1=highest,4=lowest): 4
(nationally important)
The region has a high diversity of vegetation communities in close proximity to
each other. The undeveloped valleys provide critical links between
mountain ranges, allowing for dispersal of large mammals, including Ursus
acrtos (grizzly bear).*
Conservation Status (1=most endangered, 5=most
intact): 3 (vulnerable)
Approximately 25% of this ecoregion remains intact. Grazing, draining
wetlands, conversion to row crops, and residential development are major
threats. Subdivision for homes results in fragmentation and facilitates
the introduction of invasive species.*
Agropyron (wheatgrass) species
Fescuta (fescue) species
Artemisia (sagebrush) species
* Ricketts, T.H., E. Dinerstein, D.M. Olson, C.J. Loucks, et al. (1999) Terrestrial Ecoregions of North America: A Conservation Assessment. World Wildlife Fund - United States and Canada. Island Press, Washington, D.C. pp. 190-191.