The Manitoba government’s aerial wildlife surveillance program will cover more areas of the province to collect data that will inform critical decisions to manage wildlife populations.
Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie said Thursday, “Aerial surveys are an important source of knowledge to see changes in moose, elk and caribou population trends over time. While the previous government fell short on surveillance, our government is ensuring we collect more data to inform decision-making by expanding the Wildlife Survey Program to greatly increase the areas surveyed annually from previous years.”
Announced last year, the Manitoba government entered a new contract that uses modern, innovative technology including solar-powered, long-range drones and infrared cameras to conduct aerial surveillance. Infrared cameras detect heat signatures of mammals, providing a more effective way to collect data for multiple wildlife species. This technology allows surveys of multiple species at one time including, moose, elk and caribou, which provides important information for conservationists, Indigenous treaty rights holders, and all Manitobans, the minister noted.
“I am pleased the Manitoba government is taking this step to better understand the moose population and I believe the numbers will validate the concerns of First Nations,” said Chief Heidi Cook, Misipawistik Cree Nation. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Manitoba government to ensure the sustainability of our moose population and to ensure that meeting our food needs is given first priority when it comes to moose hunting. This is a good first step and I extend my thanks to the minister for hearing our concerns and taking action to resolve them.”
“The Manitoba Wildlife Federation believes strongly in science-based management decisions that support conservation and the sustainability of Manitoba’s natural resources,” said Chris Heald, senior policy adviser, Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “This funding will be a major benefit in assisting biologists with data collection and we commend Minister Bushie and the Manitoba government for this significant investment in aerial surveys.”
The Manitoba government is investing a total of $1.61 million to expand coverage for the 2024-25 aerial surveillance program.
