Kinosota/Leifur (MB100)
Alonsa, Manitoba
Site Description
The Kinosota-Leifur area is located on the west side of Lake Manitoba from Leifur to Kinosota, about 20 km north of the town of Amaranth, and west, beyond the town of Alonsa. The area mainly consists of deciduous woodlands (mostly poplar) interspersed with pastureland and hayland, but it also contains small areas of wetland. The site begins near the Lake Manitoba shoreline where the Kinosota Ridge occurs and continues westward through farmland and woods.
Birds
This location is known for its large population of Red-headed Woodpeckers, a species that is generally uncommon or rare in Manitoba and listed as nationally vulnerable by COSEWIC. Each breeding season, at least 100 birds are estimated to be present in the area, which corresponds to 3% or more of the Canadian population. They prefer sparse woodlands and are most commonly observed in the overgrazed pasture areas with large amounts of dead and dying poplar trees. Pileated Woodpeckers are also common here.
Conservation Issues
The major threats for this area are the removal of mature poplars and the subsequent conversion of woodland to hayland or cropland. Understorey vegetation may become too overgrown for Red-headed Woodpeckers, a species known to select heavily grazed habitats, as a consequence of removing cattle from traditional grazed woodlots. The Red-headed Woodpeckers also have to compete with non-native cavity nesters such as the European Starling. Conservation measures might include the encouragement of nesting by creating suitable habitat, providing nest boxes, and the removal of European Starlings around selected farmyards.
IBA Criteria Habitats Land Uses Potential or Ongoing Threats Conservation Status
