The Cypress Hills has been home to countless research projects ranging from leopard frogs to genetic analysis of pine trees. These research programs will provide us with a better understanding of the Hills' ecosystems and provide the tools for the long-term management and well-being of these ecosystems.

Anyone wishing to conduct research within Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park must obtain a Research and Collection Permit from the Park Office.

The following is a list of some recent and ongoing projects:

Cougar Research

In 2009, the park welcomed a master's student from the University of Alberta to the park to begin a research program on the area's largest predator, the cougar. The cougar, also called the mountain lion, puma, or panther, is native to parts of North, Central and South America. These large secretive cats with extraordinary hunting ability are becoming a key interest as people move into areas traditionally inhabited by cougars. The program is intended to identify and monitor individual cats and their habits in and around the park.

As cougars are top predators, they are good indicators of the health of the ecosystem and prey species such as mule deer. The range of individuals varies from 50 - 200 square kilometers depending on food availability and competition.

Though cougars are rarely seen, park staff asks you to be vigilant and take basic precautions such as traveling in groups, making noise, and keeping campsites clean. Should you see a cougar or signs of one, please contact park's staff immediately so your information can be used in the monitoring program.

Although the chances of seeing cougars are rare, visitors to the Cypress Hills should note the following cougar safety guidelines. Alberta Parks staff are working to protect this species while minimizing the risk to campers and residents in the area.

Shrub Encroachment of Fescue Grasslands

Because of the combination of the absence of natural disturbance regimes such as fire and/or grazing of bison, and recent grazing patterns, significant encroachment of shrubs (primarily cinquefoil) is occurring which may lead to significant losses of fescue grassland and a reduction of the natural biodiversity of the park. This study is examining the effects of different techniques (mowing, burning and different stocking rates) on the amounts of shrub growth.

Tree Encroachment of Fescue Grasslands

Similar to shrub encroachment, aspen and pine are contributing to significant losses of fescue grasslands. The amount of loss through forest encroachment is currently being assessed through the digitization and comparison of vegetation cover maps based on 1945 and 1992 aerial photography. This research project will determine the amounts and patterns of encroachment, assess the effect on understory composition, and examine the effects of various treatments on species composition and successional changes.

The following animated image shows tree encroachment from 1945 to 1992.

Aquatic and Riparian Systems

The purpose of this research is to assess the current health and vitality of riparian systems within the park and determine the effects of current and past activities (e.g., grazing). The research will also examine the effects of successional changes in these areas.

Forest Fire Frequency

This project will examine the historical frequency and extent of wildfires within the park. The results will improve the current understanding of the role and effect of fire suppression initiatives over the past 90 years on the natural processes and successional changes within the Cypress Hills ecosystem.