Review of Mammal Populations on Lease No. 17 and Vicinity

Wildlife habitat on and in the vicinity of Lease 17 has been variously described by Syncrude Canada Ltd. (1973), Penner (1976) and others. Both Syncrude and Penner recognize 12 discrete habitat types however the reports differ considerably with respect to classification and characterization of habitat units. More recently, Peterson and Levinsohn (1977) provide an excellent description of seven major vegetation types present in the west half of Lease 17. Following is a brief review of the principal habitat units present on the lease prior to development, based mainly on the abovementioned reports and supported by a review of other pertinent references.