Predators

Predators are an important part of ecological balance. These species keep prey numbers in check and prevent over-browsing of and significant damage to plant communities. However, because predator species are often at the top of the food-chain, they experience little to no predation or population control outside of human intervention. As a result their numbers often grow above the carrying capacities of their habitats and as a result have a detrimental impact on their prey species, thinning prey populations down to sizes that cannot or are slow to recover. Thankfully, hunting and trapping are common activities in the Evergreen Stewardship Plan Sub Region and are beneficial to keeping predator numbers in check. It is important that hunting and trapping regulations reflect the need for predator population control and adjust bag and tag limits as necessary.

Of the pool of priority species that have suitable habitat in the Plan area, the species included in this section were chosen according to the following five guidelines:

1. Is the species at risk or threatened?
2. Is the species an invasive species?
   • Is this an introduced species that is causing significant damage to the population numbers of indigenous species that are important to ecological balance within the Sub Region?
3. Is the species of historical or cultural significance?
4. Is the species of economic importance?
   • Does the presence of this species contribute significantly to the economy of the Sub Region?
5. Is the species of ecological importance?
   • Is there significant dependence upon this species by other species or for the maintenance of ecological balance?

More species will be added to the plan as it evolves. For each species in this section, general issues will be addressed first, followed by issues specific to each species’ population.