We conserve the areas where our work is needed most
If you were on a mission to conserve waterfowl across North America, where would you begin? It’s a daunting task. These birds cross several borders, from as far north as Alaska south to the South American rainforest. That’s why, in 1994, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ducks Unlimited Inc. in the U.S. and Ducks Unlimited de México developed an International Conservation Plan to guide our conservation work in 22 planning regions.
Based on decades of research, we know that we will not achieve our vision unless we are successful in our priority landscapes. We determine these priorities based on 1) their importance to waterfowl, 2) the level of threat to waterfowl habitat and 3) available conservation opportunities. We also look at the landscape condition to determine the type of impact we can have to achieve our conservation goals.
Most of our current conservation work is on-the-ground. But we can’t conserve enough area through direct habitat work alone. Waterfowl depend on extensive habitats that are rapidly changing. To keep pace with these changes, we are increasing our investment in policy work that can affect habitat at large landscape scales.
Canada contains the two most important waterfowl conservation regions in North America: the Prairie Pothole Region and the Western Boreal Forest. These regions support an average of approximately 70 per cent of North America’s breeding ducks. They, along with the five other priority regions in Canada, also support ducks, geese and swans at other times of year.
Conservation Regions
Atlantic
Atlantic Canada provides habitat for 40 per cent of North America’s black ducks and over half of the southern race of common eiders.
Our work in the Atlantic
Prairie Pothole Region
Prairie potholes are small but mighty ecosystems. The Prairies are rich with shallow wetlands, and these “potholes” are some of the best waterfowl breeding grounds in the world.
Our work in the Prairies
Canada’s Boreal
The boreal is a precious gem. This vast expanse covers 58 per cent of Canada and contains countless lakes, rivers and wetlands.
Our work in the Boreal
Pacific Coast
British Columbia coastal areas and estuaries support a wintering population of more than one million waterfowl.
Our work on the Pacific Coast
Pacific Interior
The Pacific Interior supports over 270,000 breeding waterfowl and several hundred thousand migrating waterfowl.
Our work in the Pacific Interior
Great Lakes – St. Lawrence
Southern Ontario and Quebec holds nearly half the population of Canada. Wetland loss ranks among the highest on the continent.
Our work in the Great Lakes
Ducks Unlimited Canada In your province
We are active across Canada. We work to keep your water clean, your wildlife abundant and your communities healthy. Explore DUC in your province and get involved in our work where it matters most to you.