SpATS Study Areas

In order to get accurate information, SpATS researchers need to gather data from many different study areas. There were 28 potential study areas identified in both Prairie and Parkland areas, and 20 were randomly selected for monitoring.

Study areas were further divided into six waterfowl density/perennial cover categories. One 41-square kilometre study site was randomly selected from within each category for more intensive investigation.

Most data collection occurs on eight quarter sections of land within each study site, called focal quarters. Initial plans called for each site to be monitored twice, at time intervals that varied from one to 9 years.

Check out the location of study areas monitored to date.

Study map, click to enlarge.

Above: Map of SpATS study areas (areas indicated in blue) in Prairie Canada. The years listed in each study area indicate the years that SpATS research will be conducted there. The underlying map shows predicted waterfowl breeding distributions in Prairie Canada under average wetland conditions.

Disclaimer:

SpATS data presented on this Web site cannot be used without written permission from the authors.

 
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