Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures

Wildlife

Manitoba has a rich diversity of natural landscapes and wildlife species, from the polar bears of Churchill to the garter snakes of Narcisse to the orchids of the tall-grass prairie near Tolstoi. Our environment, culture, economy, and society are interdependent and we must wisely protect, use, and manage our wild animal and plant resources.

The mandate of the Wildlife and Fisheries Branch is to protect wildlife resources in a manner consistent with the conservation of species and ecosystems for the benefit of Manitobans. This responsibility is carried out under the authority of The Wildlife Act, The Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act, and The Conservation Agreements Act, and by applying the principles of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures.

The wildlife staff develops programs, policies and legislation for hunting and trapping, biodiversity conservation, wildlife-human interactions and habitat. The wildlife staff also represents Manitoba in numerous provincial, national, and international initiatives.

Wildlife programs are delivered by biologists, planners, technicians, and support staff throughout Manitoba. Field enforcement is carried out by Conservation Officers.

Several land stewardship and acquisition programs, as well as conservation agreements, are delivered by an affiliated Crown agency, the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.