Among the diversity of prairie wildlife, the pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) is the most specialized and representative large mammal in the Grasslands Natural Region. It is not typically found in any other natural regions of the province and is considered to be an obligate grassland species. Pronghorn antelope density is closely related to the proportion of survey units covered by native prairie (Figure 1). The density gradients of pronghorn antelope may reflect the extent of habitat alteration. For example, the results from our landowner survey suggest that pronghorn antelope selection in Alberta may vary depending on availability of habitat. In some Antelope Management Areas, pronghorn antelope selected native prairie habitat while in others they selected agricultural habitat. In some Antelope Management Areas, pronghorn antelope selected native prairie habitat while in others they selected agricultural habitat (Grue et al. 2003PJ). Human disturbance may also influence their distribution.
In general, pronghorn require large expansive areas of low rolling grassland terrain with no major physical barriers. Although grass species comprise the major vegetation available, pronghorn select mostly forbs and shrubs for their yearly diet requirements. Habitat requirements for pronghorn change with the seasons. It is well documented that pronghorn utilize sagebrush habitats in the winter, but may also opportunistically forage on agricultural crops. The last major study on the ecology of pronghorn antelope in Alberta occurred in the late 1970’s by Morley Barrett. He concluded that “though pronghorn antelope in Alberta will experience high mortality due to severe winters and low fawn survival, their fate will be directly linked to land use practices”. Alberta’s prairie landscape is continually changing and the widespread distribution suggests that pronghorn antelope may be suitable as an indicator species for the grassland ecosystem.
