Wood Buffalo National Park
Effects of Climate Change
Intro to Wood Buffalo National Park
Date Established: 1922
Why it was Established: The park was established to protect the last remaining herd of bison in Northern Canada.
The Location: Alberta and Northwest Territories 58.62°N 112.95°W
Size of the park: 44.802 Km
Ecozone: Boreal & Taiga
Important Features of the Park
Peace-Athabasca Delta
Great Slave and Bear Lake
Great Bear- Is Located in the Northwest territories. It is the largest lake entirely in Canada and the 3rd largest in North America
Largest Free-Roaming Herd of Bison
The Projected Climate Change (Temperature)
- Spring positive 1-5°C
- Summer Positive 0-3°C
- Fall positive 1-6°C
- Winter positive 3-6°C
Projected Climate Change (Precipitation)
- Spring +2-31%
- Summer - 8- +23%
- Fall +7-27%
- Winter -11- +14%
The Impact of Climate Change on the Park
1st Predicted Change to the Park
It is predicted to increase the amount of runoff in the area by 16% and could alter how the different wetland species of plant contribute to the ecosystem.
2nd Predicted Change to the Park
Species that are used to the cold would disappear because of the rising temperature then non-native animals used to warm climates would start to inhabit the park. In vegetation's case its suggested that there would be a sudden growth in trees and vegetation in the park.
3rd Predicted Change to the Park
Because of the rapid climate change the soil would lag behind and adapt a lot slower witch would effect how fast the vegetation migrates because of the increasing climate in the region.