Protecting Desert Dwellers

Over the past hundred years, human activity has removed much of the rare antelope brush desert habitat in the south Okanagan. The Desert Heritage Centre and Nk'Mip Resort are located on the southern end of the Osoyoos Indian Reserve where development occurred at a slower pace. As a result, much of the remaining antelope brush habitat, and many rare plants and animals remain on the Indian Reserve.

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The Osoyoos Indian Band wants to expand their vineyards and development to provide a strong economy for band members. But they are also aware of conservation needs to protect special habitats and wildlife. The Band has participated in many scientific studies involving species at risk. 

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The desert centre receives Environment Canada support to study Western Rattlesnakes and Great Basin Gopher snakes. Biologists track the snakes using radio telemetry to learn about their habits and use of the surrounding habitats. Large snakes are implanted for one year with radio transmitters so that their daily movements can be tracked.

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A population study started in 2003 now includes over 700 individual rattlesnakes. Communal den sites, travel corridors and seasonal habitat requirements for the Western Rattlesnake and Great Basin Gopher Snake are mapped and described so that we can protect critical snake habitat including den sites, travel corridors, egg-laying or rookery sites, and summer foraging areas. A snake barrier fence has been erected to prevent snakes from wandering onto resort roads where they get run over.

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The rattlesnake Research Program is the recipient of the Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia "Power of Education" award.