Marten vs. Goshawk - Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

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Mon, 20 Nov 2017

Marten vs. Goshawk

What happens when a marten’s meal is interrupted by a curious goshawk? Watch the video to find out!

Thanks so much to Shannon Crowley and Dexter Hodder for sharing this amazing footage from their HCTF-funded project, “Marten Population Responses to Accelerated Salvage Logging in MPB Stands in Central BC“.

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Winter might feel quiet, but BC’s wildlife is still on the move and staying aware is an important part of keeping both people and animals safe. Whether you’re heading out for a snowy hike, exploring frozen wetlands, or just enjoying a crisp morning walk, here are a few winter-wise tips: 🐾 Give animals space. Wildlife conserve precious energy in winter. If you spot deer, elk, or other species, keep dogs leashed and maintain plenty of distance so animals don’t waste energy fleeing. 🐻 Bear-aware year-round. In many coastal and low-elevation areas, not all bears are denned in winter, and some may emerge early during warm periods. Stay alert for tracks, carry bear spray where recommended, and follow local advisories. ❄️ Stick to established trails. Venturing off-path can disturb wintering animals and damage sensitive habitats hidden beneath the snow. 🌲 Pack out what you pack in. Food attractants and garbage can still draw wildlife, even in the cold months. When we explore responsibly, we help protect the wildlife and wild spaces that make BC so special. 📷 Project 7-540

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Scholarship Student Highlight: Julie Thomas Julie is one of this year’s Al Martin Scholarship Recipients Julie is a PhD student attending the University of Northern British Columbia. She is researching the impacts of cougar predation on Woodland caribou. Specifically, Julie is examining if feral horses are allowing cougars to exert more pressure on caribou by providing an additional food source to cougars, if increased feral horse abundance post fire is forcing caribou further into cougar ranges, and if the removal of cougar competitors (wolves) is allowing for a greater abundance of cougars. This research will improve our understanding of the predator-prey relationship of cougar and caribou, which has direct implications for woodland caribou recovery in BC and beyond

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Did you know that caribou are among the most migratory land animals in North America? Some herds travel huge distances each year across rugged landscapes in search of food and suitable breeding grounds. Caribou populations are vital to northern ecosystems, but many herds are currently under threat from habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. HCTF is proud to help support the recovery of caribou habitat through the Caribou Habitat Restoration Fund (CHRF). Let’s work together to protect BC’s caribou and the landscapes they call home. 🌲 Learn more about the CHRF and get involved today! 📷 Project 7-475

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Temperatures may be falling but that doesn't mean the field work stops! While many of us are cozying up indoors, conservation teams across BC are still out in the snow, collecting data, monitoring wildlife, and keeping long-term projects moving forward. From tracking overwintering species to measuring stream health under ice, winter field work gives us crucial insights into how ecosystems function year-round, helping guide the science-based decisions that shape conservation in BC. A huge shout-out to the biologists, technicians, community partners, and project leaders who bundle up, head out, and make these projects possible. Your dedication supports healthier wildlife and more resilient habitats for future generations. 📷 Project 6-299

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Happy Giving Tuesday from HCTF! Today’s a great reminder that every act of giving, big or small, monetary or otherwise, helps protect the wild places and wildlife that make British Columbia extraordinary. Whether it’s donating funds or donating your time, every contribution supports healthier habitats, stronger stewardship, and long-term conservation success across the province. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back today, consider supporting conservation efforts in your community. You can donate directly to HCTF at hctf.ca/donate or explore local organizations working hard to keep BC’s ecosystems thriving. 📷 Michael Schumacher

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Scholarship Student Highlight: Danny McNeil-Wilmott Danny is one of this year’s Together for Wildlife Scholarship Recipients Danny is a Doctorate student currently studying with the University of Northern British Columbia. Their work in partnership with Williams Lake First Nation, is examining how the reintroduction of cultural burning practices can help minimize the effects of historical changes have on the area. This project seeks to understand how fire stewardship can restore habitat networks and biodiversity, while also ensuring the T’exelcemc people are able to maintain culturally important practices. The Together for Wildlife scholarship is awarded annually by HCTF in partnership with the First Nations-B.C. Wildlife & Habitat Conservation Forum and the Province of British Columbia’s Together for Wildlife Strategy (T4W) to 10 masters and Ph.D. candidates conducting research that will have a positive impact on stewardship, management, policy, or decision-making of wildlife in BC. This scholarship aims to support reconciliation and collaboration, diversity of perspectives, and building community among Indigenous communities and rural areas of BC.

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Colourful patterns aren’t just for the birds! Fish also have a wide variety of patterns and colours, they’re just a little harder to see being in the water and everything! While most people know about the vibrant red colours of spawning salmon, lots of other freshwater fish in BC have vibrant and beautiful colour patterns! From rainbow and brook trout, to bluegills and even graylings (despite the name), the freshwater fish of BC put on a dazzling display! 📷 (UNKNOWN),(8-466),(Fernando Lessa),(3-193 ),( D. GASCHERMANN)

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Here’s a cool thing you might not know: a big chunk of HCTF’s conservation funding comes from the conservation surcharge on B.C.’s freshwater fishing, hunting, trapping, and guide outfitting licences. For freshwater fishing licences, 100% of what you pay stays right here in B.C. The conservation surcharge goes to HCTF, and the fee portion supports the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. It’s a win–win for the outdoors. Those surcharges add up to support hundreds of conservation projects across the province stream restoration, wildlife research, habitat protection, and so much more. If you’re gearing up for your next adventure, you can grab your Freshwater Fishing licence or BC resident hunting licence online through the B.C. Government’s e-licensing system. And when you do, you’re directly supporting conservation where it matters most. 🏞️💚 📸1-809 - Danny Swainson