In the summer of 2021, the BETO team explored the banks of the Saint-François River as well as part of the Nicolet River in order to identify bank swallow colonies as well as potential habitats for future colonies. Although the species is still common in Canada, its population in the country has declined by 98% in 40 years and this decline continues.
The objective of the project is to recommend to Environment Canada the designation of areas of active colonies or potential habitats as essential habitats for the recovery of the species under the Species at Risk Act, the law under which the bank swallow is designated as threatened in Canada. Also, the project made it possible to raise awareness among local property owners of the presence of this species and the actions to take to protect its nesting site. The good practices guide is available to learn more about the species and know what to do to protect it.
