Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (11490)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.4200, Longitude: -105.2200
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 494 to 503
Area of KBA (km2): 319.29093
Protected area coverage (%): 71.51
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area is located in east-central Saskatchewan, about 120 km southeast of Saskatchewan. The National Wildlife Area (NWA) includes the northern end of Last Mountain Lake, which is characterized by several shallow bays or “fingers”. Portions of the fingers have been dammed forming several basins. The NWA includes 15,502 ha of lake, marsh, and upland at the north end of the lake. About 54% of the total area is native grasslands, and initiatives are underway to restore more area. Fire and grazing are used to keep existing grassland areas free of shrubs and exotic grasses.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area 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 two aggregating bird species (Sandhill Crane and Snow Goose). In addition to global significant bird species, this site also supports nationally significant populations of two canadian threatened bird species (Lesser Yellowlegs and Piping Plover) and two aggregating bird species (Red Knot and Ruddy Turnstone).
Manageability of the site: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area intersects or contains seven protected areas consisting of Fish And Wildlife Development Fund and Wildlife Habitat Protection managed by Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Environment; Private Conservation La
Delineation rationale: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area is located in east-central Saskatchewan, about 120 km southeast of Saskatchewan. The National Wildlife Area (NWA) includes the northern end of Last Mountain Lake, which is characterized by several shallow bays or “fingers”.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Grassland | 27 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 13 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Ongoing |