Summary
Parks Canada's management of large mammal populations in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay) prioritizes human recreation over scientific wildlife conservation. A 2010 study found that these parks lack the characteristics of true wildlife reserves necessary for effective large mammal management programs. While the research outlines criteria for successful mammal management and evaluates Parks Canada's current practices against these standards, it concludes that minimal scientific mammal management occurs in these areas. Instead, efforts are largely focused on balancing human activities with wildlife coexistence. The study recommends improvements to align management strategies more closely with conservation goals.
Citation
Morgan, M. J. (2010). The role of Parks Canada in the management of large mammal populations in Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks (the Rocky Mountain Parks). University of British Columbia. https://doi.org/10.14288/1.0076816