Peace-Athabasca Delta (11001)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Peace-Athabasca Delta
Central coordinates: Latitude: 58.6500, Longitude: -111.2300
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 250
Area of KBA (km2): 7584.84263
Protected area coverage (%): 94.33
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Located in the northeast corner of Alberta, the sprawling Peace-Athabasca Delta is one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world. It covers much of the southeastern portion of Wood Buffalo National Park, and includes the deltas of the Athabasca, Peace, and Birch rivers. Four major lakes are present; all are very shallow (less than 3 m deep) and characterized by thick growths of submergent and emergent vegetation. Large open grasslands are interspersed with numerous river channels and ponds that are slightly elevated above the surrounding plain. These features have created thousands of kilometers of shoreline habitat that is ideal for nesting waterfowl. This area contains critical spawning and nursery habitat for fish coming from Lake Claire and Lake Athabasca. Over 20 fish species are known to occur in the area including Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike and the nationally threatened Shortjaw Cisco.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Peace-Athabasca Delta was initially identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Recent analysis shows that this site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of global significance for one aggregating bird species (Tundra Swan).
Manageability of the site: Peace-Athabasca Delta intersects or contains four protected areas consisting of Fidler - Greywillow Wildland Provincial Park, Kazan Wildland Provincial Park, and Richardson Wildland Provincial Park managed by Parks Division, Alberta Environment and Parks;
Delineation rationale: The polygon for the Peace-Athabasca Delta KBA covers much of the southeastern portion of Wood Buffalo National Park, and includes the deltas of the Athabasca, Peace, and Birch rivers.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 25 | |
| Grassland | 25 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Oil & gas drilling | Ongoing | |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Ongoing |