Wildlife research and landscape science: overview

A Leader in Canadian Wildlife Research

The Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate is Environment Canada's focal point for knowledge and expertise of:
Photo of family of Thick Billed Murres on Prince Leopold Island
  • impacts of toxic substances on animals, plants, and soil invertebrates and microbial communities,
  • impacts of human activities and ecosystem change on populations of Canada's migratory birds,
  • causes of declines in species at risk, particularly migratory birds and species found on federal lands
  • biological test method development,
  • the health of wild species as an indication of environmental quality,
  • natural and human-induced impacts on wildlife communities and ecosystems over time and space,
  • habitat modeling and monitoring using Earth Observation tools.

Laboratory and field research on animal populations - and their habitats - generates new knowledge about the complexity and challenges that influence the integrity and health of Canadian ecosystems and the conservation of wildlife populations. Information is used to develop regulations and guide policy decisions on environmental protection, wildlife health and sustainable development.

Image of Golden-Winged Warbler, a threatened species

Scientists work closely with the broader Science and Technology community and the Canadian Wildlife Service at Environment Canada. Scientists also work cooperatively with national and international researchers from other government departments, universities and research institutions to provide reliable authoritative science to inform decision-making.

Experts work across Canada, but are headquartered out of the National Wildlife Research Centre on the Carleton University campus in Ottawa, Ontario. This location enables government and university scientists to better collaborate and support student learning and wildlife conservation activities.

Related Content

To learn more about wildlife, consult the Nature section.

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