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CLIMATE CHANGE ALBERTAS BIODIVERSITY EFFECTS OF EXTREME WEATHER ON PRAIRIE RAPTORS The effects of extreme weather events are particularly pronounced for species inhabiting the grasslands where suitable cover is generally lacking. Detailed field research shows that heavy precipitation reduces Burrowing Owl nest success by flooding nests and limiting prey deliveries to owlets while strong and prolonged windstorms often destroy Ferruginous Hawk nests. Severe weather events are likely to have the largest consequences for wildlife on the prairies where there are few opportunities to find cover. Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks are of particular interest because both are designated as Endangered in the Alberta Wildlife Regulation26 and listed as Endangered and Threatened27 respectively under the federal Species at Risk Act.28 Incidences of extreme heat rain and wind are expected to increase dramatically over the coming decades. This could have severe consequences Alberta populations are already so small that they could potentially be driven to extinction by a random series of severe weather events. An improved understanding of the factors contributing to climate change vulnerability for these species can support climate change adaptation planning page 34. 26 Alberta Wildlife Regulation. Alberta Regulation 1431997. Available at httpwww.qp.alberta.cadocumentsRegs1997_143.pdf 27 Endangered species face imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened species are likely to become Endangered if nothing is done to address the factors leading to its decline. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada COSEWIC. 2014. Assessment Process Categories and Guidelines. Available at httpwww.cosewic.gc.caengsct0assessment_process_e.cfm 28 Canada Species at Risk Act. S.C.2002 c.29. Available at httplaws-lois.justice.gc.caengactsS-15.3