Ecotourism did not predispose grizzly bears to subsequent conflict
Grizzly bears detected at ecotourism sites are less likely than predicted by chance to encounter conflict.
Wolves, whales, and water
We have completed our analysis of inbreeding across Resident killer whale populations, yielding some interesting results.
What forests mean to coastal wildlife
We know that old-growth forests provide many important services to coastal species, but when these environments are changed, how does the age, diversity, and structure of these forests influence wildlife communities? Over the past 14 months, a network of wildlife cameras in Heiltsuk Territory has been collecting images of coastal species so that managers and…
Vanishing goats? Not on the watch of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation
The first signs happened decades ago. KXN community members began to report a decline in sightings of goats once frequently seen from river valleys and the ocean. These patterns were alarming, given the immense cultural value of goats to the Kitasoo Xai’xais people.
Applied conservation science helps inform and empower local decision-making
Recent projects highlight a couple recent and tangible ways in which our research supports not only human-wildlife coexistence but also renewed self-determination by Indigenous governments.
The return of sea otters can increase the genetic diversity of eelgrass
Contrary to how it may appear, it turns out that sea otters ripping up eelgrass actually does the plant – and the nearshore ecosystem – a favour.
Research: Fisheries management of the Wuikinuxv bear-salmon-human system guided by n̓àn̓akila and data
Guided by the Wuikinuxv principle of n̓àn̓akila (to keep an eye on something or someone; a protector or guardian), a new study shows how fisheries managers can allocate salmon for wildlife, while balancing the needs of local communities.
Spatial alignment between grizzly bear genetic groups and Indigenous language families in coastal BC
In the landscape on the central coast of what is now known as British Columbia, genetic analyses have identified three distinct genetic groups of grizzly bears. The spatial areas of these groups align strikingly well with the geographies of three Indigenous language families (Tsimshian, Northern Wakashan, Salishan Nuxalk). The explanation the research partnership favours is…
Research: Dietary differences among individuals with different genes and coat colours gives insight into the maintenance of the Spirit bears among black bear populations
The paper, “Intrapopulation foraging niche variation between phenotypes and genotypes of Spirit bear populations,” was published in the open-access journal Ecology and Evolution.
Research publication led by Dr. Christina Service honoured by the British Ecological Society
This year’s exceptional winning papers span topics as diverse as spirit bear genetics, coral reef productivity, plants reclaiming mining land and classifying elephants as refugees.
Welcome to Pender Island, where the destruction of a globally rare ecosystem is ongoing
The Islands Trust was created to protect the unique ecosystems of BC’s Gulf Islands, without being given the authority to do so. But rather than protecting the environment from potentially harmful human activities, the Islands Trust is now protecting human activities that harm the environment.
Chinook salmon exhibit long-term rearing and early marine growth in the Fraser River, B.C., a large urban estuary
Using tiny salmon ear bones, or otoliths, Raincoast researchers and partners were able to demonstrate that Chinook salmon from Harrison River rely on the Fraser estuary for one to two months while they feed and grow. These findings underscore the critical nature of this habitat for the persistence and recovery of Chinook salmon…