View/Download (.pdf, 3.83 MB).Our Next Discovery Evening...
Every fall and winter, Nature Manitoba offers a series of indoor presentations featuring guest speakers on relevant, local, nature-related topics.
They are usually on Monday evenings at 7:30pm, and take place at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre (340 Provencher Blvd) on the second floor (Salle Antoine-Gaborieau). Admission is only $3 ($2 for members).
View the full schedule of presentations.
Monday, February 2, 2015 at 7:30 pm.
Presented by Dr. Steve Ferguson, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans (Freshwater Institute, University of Manitoba)
The Arctic ice-free season has increased in area and duration providing killer whales with an expanding arena for predation. A research group called “Orcas of the Canadian Arctic” set out to understand this change. Initially we compiled a database to document the historical occurrence, distribution, feeding ecology, and seasonality of killer whales in the region. Sighting reports, anecdotal evidence, Inuit traditional ecological knowledge, and photographic identification indicated that killer whale occurrence is increasing. Killer whales fitted with satellite transmitters showed that the whales moved from bay to inlet during the summer while feeding on bowhead, beluga, and narwhal whales. The tagged whales left the Arctic region prior to heavy ice formation in the fall. Tissue analysis showed differences between killer whales from the Arctic and Atlantic regions. Atlantic killer whales fed on both marine mammals and fish, whereas Arctic killer whales preyed upon whales and seals but not fish. Prey use different strategies to minimize the risk of being eaten by killer whales. In response, killer whales have learned specific attack methods for each of their prey. As the Arctic warms, the bowhead, beluga, and narwhal whales are at risk from increasing predation by killer whales. Is this how the Arctic will be transformed?
About Nature Manitoba
Nature Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1920 as the Natural History Society of Manitoba (later known as the Manitoba Naturalists Society), "for the popular and scientific study of nature". In 2009, we changed our name to Nature Manitoba. Our members share a passion for nature. Our goal is to promote an appreciation and understanding of nature, and to preserve and enjoy it. Nature Manitoba offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor programs year-round, and advocates for the protection of our natural environment.
We believe that the opportunity to experience the natural world in peace and tranquility is a joy and a privilege. We believe in the importance of sound stewardship of our parks, wilderness and other natural areas, and are proponents of self-propelled (non-motorized) recreation when enjoying these areas.
Take a moment to learn more about the benefits of membership with Nature Manitoba, or contact our office staff for assistance with memberships and information about our programs, events and outdoor trips.
What We Offer
- Canoeing, hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor recreational pursuits.
- Field trips to observe birds, botany, butterflies, and more.
- Presentations by amateur and professional photographers, researchers, writers, outdoor enthusiasts, and naturalists.
- Year-round opportunities to enjoy the Mantario cabin.
- Special events in support of Nature Manitoba projects and initiatives.
- Research and advocacy groups that work for environmental protection.
Each month's events are published in advance on this website and in our newsletter, Nature Manitoba News, which is circulated to all members bi-monthly.
Our Mission
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To foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment and an understanding of humanity's place therein; - To provide an association and a voice for those interested in natural history and the outdoors, and to cooperate with individuals and organizations with similar objectives;
- To arrange educational and recreational programs and field trips;
- to promote an understanding of the natural environment;
- To stimulate research and to record and preserve data and material in natural history and allied subjects;
- To work for the preservation of our natural environment.
