Barren-ground
AhiakBaffin IslandBathurstBeverly and QaminirjuaqBluenose EastBluenose WestBoothia PenninsulaCape BathurstCoats IslandLorillardPorcupineSouthampton IslandTuk PeninsulaWager BayFortymile
- NWT status: Threatened, NWT Species at Risk Act (2018) (note that this listing does not cover the Porcupine caribou herd).
- Canadian status: Threatened, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (2016)
Barren-ground caribou are larger in size than the Dolphin and Union and Peary caribou. The average bull (male caribou) weighs in at 100 to 140 kg (220 to 309 lb). Females weigh less. In summer they eat grassy plants, shrubs and mushrooms, and in winter they mostly eat lichens.
These caribou are mostly migratory, often forming large herds that can number in the hundreds of thousands. They migrate twice a year, moving to calving grounds on the treeless tundra near the coast in springtime, and back towards the treeline in the fall. The top two herds (the Bathurst and Porcupine herds) travel about 1,350 kilometers (as the crow flies) between their summer and winter ranges. When migrating, they walk at about 7 km/hr, covering between 20 and 65 km a day. Smaller herds that are less migratory also exist. Some of these are found on islands such as Southampton Island and Coats Island, two large islands in the northern part of Hudson Bay.
The largest herd in Canada currently is likely the Qamanirjuaq herd that ranges between Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, northern Manitoba and Saskakatchewan. It was estimated to number 288,000 animals in 2017. Overall, the numbers of barren ground caribou are declining. The Bathurst herd that currently ranges between the NWT and Nunavut may have fallen the furthest from a high of 472,000 in 1986, to an estimated 8,200 in 2018
Government of the Northwest Territories
That’s a decrease of more than 98%. Two populations appear to be bucking the trend of general decline. The Porcupine caribou herd was at a record high of 218,000 in 2017.
The causes of the declines are discussed in more depth in the “threats” section and may be different for different herds, but there is a significant opinion that development of mining and infrastructure (particularly roads) within the range of some of the herds facing the steepest declines is a contributing factor. Hunting pressure and predation are other significant factors identified. As the NWT Species at Risk assessment for Barren-ground caribou notes, “Most barren-ground caribou herds are now at low points in their abundance and they are facing cumulative effects from multiple interacting threats that are unprecedented.”
The steep decline of some of these herds has led to a moratorium on hunting some of the declining herds. For instance, in 2015 the NWT government created a Mobile Core Bathurst Caribou Conservation Area in which no caribou hunting is allowed. The moratorium on hunting has caused hardships to local people who are heavily dependent on the caribou for food, and are forced to buy often expensive (and relatively unsatisfying) food from local stores instead. In addition to the costs of the replacement food, the lack of caribou in the diets of Indigenous people can also lead to spiritual and cultural impacts.
Related news
Best road is one that gets built, N.W.T. minister says of new route to connect Nunavut and N.W.T.
A proposed new road route from Yellowknife to the Artic Coast will avoid senitive caribou habitat in the Northwest Territories according to the territory's Minister of Finance. The proposed route, that would link to a stretch of road in Nunavut and a port at Gray's Bay on the Arctic coast, was put forward by the Tłı̨chǫ government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation. The port and road development has been identified by the federal government as a potential 'project of national interest'.
25 August 2026 | cbc north
As Canada eyes Arctic road expansion, Indigenous guardians race to understand caribou
This article discusses some known impacts of roads on caribou behaviour, and raises concerns about the impacts of the Grays Bay Port and Road project (now being called the "Arctic Economic and Security Corridor". The story notes that the proposed all-season road will cut through habitat used by several caribou herds, including the calving area of the critically-depleted Bathurst herd. The article also talk about the role of Indigenous guardians in monitoring the impacts of northern roads on caribou, and the need for long-term funding for such monitoring programs.
16 July 2026 | Mongabay
Caribou people: The story of conserving the Porcupine caribou herd is a story about working together
A longer story about the Porcupine Caribou herd and the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit people who rely on the herd. The story is told in the context of pending bids for oil and gas leases on the American side ofv the herd's calving grounds. The article also goes into the deepening climate impacts on the declining herd, including changes in food supplies for the caribou, and an increase in insect harassment.
29 May 2026 | Canadian geographic
The Arctic’s vanishing caribou
A story that briefly outlines the critical decline in caribou herds in the Northwest Territories, focusing on the Bathurst herd. The story notes that rising prices may be a factor in pushing the demand for caribou meat, nuty also highlights the impact of industrial development on the declining herd.
26 May 2026 | Financial Times
See the Giant Arctic Mosquitoes That Are Thriving in a Changing Climate
A study found that warming in the Arctic is lenghtening the mosquito season. The study authors say the longer season gives the mosquitoes more time to harass caribou. Caribou seek higher, cooler places to avoid the insects, but those places may have less food for the caribou. This in turn can lead to poorer body condition and increased chances of death for the caribou.
28 April 2026 | ABC News
Canada's migratory caribou are under threat. Will we act before it's too late?
A story cataloguing the decline of migratory caribou herds, and the threats thought to be driving that decline. The story anticipates the coming 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) on the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It notes that Canada has not ratified this convention, but hopes "it sets global norms and shines an international spotlight on a crisis unfolding in Canada's North."
25 March 2026 | phys.org
Female caribou grow antlers as a built-in postbirthing snack
An article based on a study that found that female caribou are gnawing on the antlers that they shed in birthing grounds. The study authors suggest that the caribou are doing this to provide a supplement of protein, calcium and phosphorus, nutrients that they need after giving birth.
25 February 2026 | Scientific American
APTN show places spotlight on Tłı̨chǫ caribou research
An article noting that Tłı̨chǫ researchers and Innu youth will feature in a new documentary series on the Abortiginal peoples Television Network (APTN) in an episode devoted to caribou. the episode is to air on Feb 5th, 2026.
5 February 2026 | Cabin Radio
Baffin Island caribou population growth ‘incredibly good news’
A new count says the number of caribou on Baffin Island has grown from a 2014 estimate of 4,600 to a new estimate of 48,000. Hunting of caribou on Baffin Island has still been allowed since 2015, but at lower levels than previously. The allowable harvest will be reviewed with consultations beginning in February 2026. A population estimate for the Baffin herd of 150,000 was made in the 1980s but a government biologist says that estimate was based on sparse data, and should not be viewed as a population target.
21 January 2026 | Nunatsiaq News
Porcupine caribou herd declines as Vuntut Gwitchin push for habitat protection
An Alaskan government count says the Porcupine caribou herd numbers have dropped from 218,000 to 143,000. The herd, that ranges between Alaska and northern Yukon and northwest NWT has long been the centre of controversy over repeated US plans to open the herd's Alaskan calving ground to oil and gas exploitation. The Porcupine Caribou Management Board will consider if it needs to adjust harvest levels after a meeting in Inuvik in February 2026.
9 January 2026 | Yukon News
Pond Inlet caribou harvest is closed
A brief story noting closure of caribou harvest for the community of Pond Inlet, Nunavut. The quota of 46 caribou from the Baffin Island herd has been reached. The quota will renew on July 1st.
8 January 2026 | Nunatsiaq News
New maps shine light on decline of Bathurst Caribou in the N.W.T.
New maps show the range of the declining Bathurst caribou herd has contracted significantly over the past 24 years. The maps show the range of the herd shrinking toward its calving area around Bathurst Inlet. A manager with the Tli'cho government is quoted saying that the government will work toward a new management plan for the herd, along with the NWT government.
29 December 2025 | cbc north
Akaitcho First Nations call for pause on caribou hunting
More First Nations in the Northwest Territories have joined a call for a moratorium on hunting for caribou along a winter road corridor. The call comes after the recent release of figures showing further declines of two caribou herds, the Bathurst Herd, and the Bluenose East herd. The First Nations involved are the Yellowknives Dene, Łútsël K’é Dene, and Deninu Kųę́ First Nation.
4 December 2025 | Cabin Radio
This is wild: caribou episode
A 28 minute podcast by conservation NGO WWF Canada on caribou conservation. It focuses largely on Nunavut, and advocates for the final adoption of the Nunavut Land Use Plan. It also discusses guardians programs and a locally proposed protected area in Taloyoak.
25 November 2025 | WWF Canada
Tłı̨chǫ Government proposes pausing winter caribou hunts to allow herds to recover
A first Nation in the Northwest Territories is proposing a pause on winter hunting of two caribou herds. The Bathurst and Bluenose East herds are both in deline according to recent figures. The Bathurst herd is particularly threatened, down to fewer than 4,000 adult animals from a high of more than 470,000. Winter hunting can remove more caribou as the animals are accessible via winter roads. The proposed pause is to be discussed with otehr Indigenous governments in the caribou herds' range.
24 November 2025 | CBC North
In one chart, the near-disappearance of a caribou herd
A news story highlighting recently released figures showing the declines in the Bathurst and Bluenose East caribou herds (see the NWT government's news release and backgrounder in our resources section). The sotry includes a a chart graphically showing the precipitous decline of the Bathurst herd, and a brief discussion of possible causes of the decline.
19 November 2025 | Cabin radio
Alaska sued over aerial hunting of bears to protect caribou
A news story about a lawsuit brought against an Alaskan policy of shooting grizzly bears to reduce their predation on the Mulchatna caribou herd. "The herd is now estimated at fewer than 15,000, well below a goal of 30,000 to 80,000 deemed necessary to ensure numbers sufficient for traditional hunting and subsistence purposes." A spokesperson for one of the envitonmental organizations behind the lawsuit says disease and lack of food, made worse by climate change, and not predators were the main factors in the herd's decline.
11 November 2025 | Reuters
In the Yukon, the longest land migration on earth is under threat
A magazine length story about the threats facing the procupine caribou herd, and people's fears that a recent count wil reveal a decline in the herd.
27 October 2025 | The Narwhal
Caribou and muskoxen shape the past and future Arctic
This story explores the role of caribou and muskox in slowing the the impacts of warming in Arctic tundra.
24 October 2025 | The Circle (WWF)
Barren Ground Caribou Hunts Are Disappearing — or Getting Outrageously Expensive
This magazine story talks about caribou declines, and the impacts of those declines on paid hunts. It also recounts the story of what the author describes as possible his last hunt, in southern Nunavut.
20 October 2025 | outdoor life
Young hunters get together to learn how to hunt a caribou
A short (1:30) video story about a group of young people from Rankin Inlet in Nunavut who went on a community caribou hunt to learn how to hunt and butcher the caribou. The meat from the hunt was given to local elders.
2 September 2025 | CBC north
Caribou vs. drilling: U.S. politics and the new phase of a multi-generational struggle in the Yukon
A feature-length story about the ongoing efforts of Gwich'in people to oppose oil and gas development in the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. The story notes the renewed efforts by the American government to open up the area to oil and gas development with seismic testing potentially happening within a year. They story emphasizes the importance of the caribou to the Gwich'in for both culture and food security.
19 August 2025 | The Narwhal
New Season Dates and Hunt Quota for Fall Fortymile Caribou Hunt
This media advisory for hunting quotas in Alaska also contain the news that this herd, shared between Alaska and Yukon, has declined further since the last published population estimates. Based on a pgotocensus from last year, the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game now estimates herd size at 24,000 - 28,000. The previous estimate from 2022 put the herd at about 40,000. Hunting in Alaska is still being allowed, but is retricted to 525 caribou, and all bulls.
17 July 2025 | Alaska department of fish and game
Concerns over consultations, caribou halt uranium exploration plan
A first step toward uranium mining west of Baker Lke, Nunavut has hit a roadblock. The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has told the Atha Energy company that it must change or abandon its exploration plans in the area. The area ovelaps calving and migration routes for caribou herds. The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds use the area. As with all NIRB decisions, the final say goes to the Minister of Northern Affairs.
7 July 2025 | Nunatsiaq news
Nunavut caribou survey saved by cellphones
The latest count for the Beverly herd was nearly derailed when the plane-mounted camera used to photograph the herds didn't work. the biologists aboard the plane taped their cell phones to the plane windows intead. Surprisingly, the fix worked well enough for the count to proceed, resulting in a new population estimate for the herd.
18 June 2025 | cbc north
Lodge owner decries killing of caribou on property, but others caution against rush to judgment
A news story about an alleged incident of meat wastage near a lodge in the far north of Manitoba. The lodge owner is characterizing the scene as a 'mass slaughter' of caribou. A First Nations hunter quoted in the story cautions against 'ciminalizing' Indigenous hunters, while the Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew said the hunters involved will be "pursued and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
14 May 2025 | cbc
Management board urges hunters to watch for parasites in harvested caribou
This news story highlights what appears to an increase in the presence in northern caribou of a worm-like parasite, called setaria. one recent report said that 16 of 23 animals harvested had evidence of the parasite. The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board is asking hunters to inspect any animal they shoot, and to report if they appear to be infected. The story quotes Dr. Susan Kutz, a parasite specialist at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary, who says the parasites are alarming, but do not pose a risk to human gealth.
30 April 2025 | CBC North
N.W.T. government investigating the waste of 48 caribou
The government of the NWT sys it is investigating nine cases of illegal meat wastage involving 48 caribou. Remains of the caribou found along the winter road north of Yellowknife showed that only some of the animal had been taken, leaving much wasted meat. Local First Nations and Metis guardians help patrol the road to try to reduce hunting infractions. The chief of the Yellowknives First Nation said that its patrols would increase next year due to the rising trend of meat wastage.
19 March 2025 | CBC North
The Mulchatna caribou herd’s population remains low as biologists investigate the cause
This web story (also in audio) focuses on the potential causes for the decline and slow recovery of the Mulchatna caribou herd in western Alaska. The hed crashed from a popuation of about 200,000 to its current population of 14,000. There are no coclusions from the study yet, but the story contains some interesting information on novel research methods to assess level of fat in female caribou and findings that suggest the caribou are actually gaining weight over winter.
12 March 2025 | KDLG
Alaskans have grounds to sue over predator-control killing of bears, court rules
An Alaskan predator control program aimed at boosting numbers of a caribou herd will face a court challenge. Alaska's supreme court ruled that a local attorney has legal standing to challenge the predator control program that has killed nearly 200 brown bears as well as some back bears and wolves in the range of the Mulchatna herd. The predator control program began in 2023 and is set to last until 2028. The Mulchatna herd has declined from a high of 200,000 in 1997 to fewer than 13,000 according to the most recent count.
17 February 2025 | Alaska Beacon
The battle for Steensby Inlet is not over
The Igloolik Hunters and trappers association is demanding a reassessment of the plans by a mining company to expand its operations on Baffin Island. The Association says a rail and road sytem planned as part of the expansion will have a big impact on Baffin Island caribou, including disrupting seasonal migrations.
5 February 2025 | Canadian Dimension
The Great Video Reveal: Emerging Tech Tracks What Caribou Do
An online article about the use of video on collars to monitor caribou from the fortymile herd. The cameras have helped monitor feeding preferences of the herd and levels of insect harassment. Changing forage and increased insect harassment are projected effects of climate change, and are thought to be a factor in the general decline of caribou herds.
16 January 2025 | national park service
Wolf management program in N.W.T. comes to an end after 5 years of collaring and incentivized hunting
A five-year project to limit and beter understand wolf predation on caribou in two northern herds is ending. The project has been jointly run by the Northwest Territories and Tłı̨chǫ governments. 477 wolves in the ranges of the Bathurst and Bluenose East herds were killed as part of the project. The project also found that wolves preyed on multiple herds. Final results from the project are expected in the fall of 2026.
10 January 2025 | CBC North
GNWT loses caribou management appeal
The government of the Northwest Territories has lost a court bttle over management of the Bluenose West caribou herd. The NWT appeals court upheld a NWT Supreme Court decision ordering the territory's environment minister to consider the intention of the community of Colville Lake to manage the herd under a community conservation plan. The decision does not mean Colville Lske's plan will be put in place, it still needs support from the regional Sahtu Renewable Resources Board and from further decision-making process that will include the territorial government.
8 January 2025 | cabin radio
Arctic Report Card 2024: How Did the Region Fare? Ask the Caribou
A blog post that focuses on the results of the "Arctic Report Card" an annual assessment of the state of the Arctic by the US government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It focuses on climate change in the region, noting that this is the first year in its assessments when the Arctic has become a net emitter of carbon rather than a carbon sink. It says that inland migratory cribou herds are already struggling to adapt to climate change and development with their numbers droping by 65% over the past 2-3 decades.
13 December 2024 | Union of concerned scientists
Snowmelt Sends Caribou Packing
A study suggest that there is a donnection between snow melt and barren-ground caribou migrations. The study used satellite data that can detect when water begins to appear in the snow pack, and compared it to migrations of the Bathurst caribou herd, as tracked by collared caribou in the herd. It found that on average, the caribou started to head to their spring and summer habitat about two-and-a-half days after the snow began to melt.
10 December 2024 | Eos
Arctic Refuge Is One of Earth’s Last Truly Wild Places. Trump Calls it America’s “Biggest Oil Farm.”
A news story about the concern regarding the new Trump administration's intent to once again open up the Alaskan calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd to oil and gas exploitation. The story mentions that Inuit and Gwich'in organizations are on different sides of the dispute, with Gwich'in opposing the development, and some Inuit representatives supporting it. It talks about the possibility that President Biden will put in place additional protections for the area before leaving office.
9 December 2024 | Mother Jones
Memory influences where Western Arctic Herd caribou spend the winter
A story about a study of a migratory caribou herd in northwest Alaska. The study concludes that more caribou are dying at differnet times of year; "Before 2016, caribou had the greatest chance of dying in early summer (calving and insect harassment seasons) but since 2016, caribou had the greatest chance of dying in winter and early spring." It also found that herd members choice of wintering grounds was connected to survival rates of caribou that had wintered in different areas on the previous year. The more survivors, the more likely caribou from the herd are to choose that wintering ground the next year.
3 December 2024 | National Park Service
What’s below the 60th parallel? A Canadian mineral company aims to find out
A mining company plans to explore for uranium in the far north of Saskatchewan in a region used by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds. Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources (YNLR) represents seven First Nations communities in the region. YNLR has signed an eploration agreemnt with Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. that provides economic benefits to the communities, and provides for environmental monitoring. A YNLR spokesperon is quoted saying that measures will be taken to avoid exploration actiities disturbing caribou mgration.
20 November 2024 | eagle feather news
Caribou in the same herd have different strategies for winter
A study on a caribou herd in Alaska compared migratory and non-migratory animals ithin the same herd (the Western Arctic Herd, found in northwest Alaska). It found that during winter, migratory caribou found more than 2.5 times more lichen, an important winter food, than those caribou that did not migrate. The caribou that did not migrate saved an estimated !!% on energy expediture by moving less.
14 November 2024 | National Park Service
Kivalliq hunters report ‘sickly’ caribou during fall hunt
Hunters in the kivalliq region (Hudson Bay coast area) of Nunavut are reporting unhealthy-looking colours in the meat of harvested caribou. A government wildlife biologist says they are likely caused by a parasitic worm that would harm neither the caribou nor people consuming the meat. The Department of Environment is planning to distribute sampling kits to hunters this year in an effort to track the parasite’s spread through the herd.
11 November 2024 | Nunatsiaq news
Biden administration will limit drilling in Arctic refuge as it secures president’s legacy Ella Nilsen
In anticipation of the change in US administrations, President Biden has attempted to limit potential oil and gas development in the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou. An existing law from the previous Trump administration required the government to hold a second lease sale before the end of 2024. Biden has done so, but limited the sale to 400,000 acres (just over 1,600 square kilometres), according to the story, the lowest area that could be offered. A previous lease sale in the area was cancelled after a lack of interest from the oil industry.
8 November 2024 | CNN
Yellowknife’s Pat Kane receives photography grant worth $20K
A Yellowknife-based photographer has won an award to help him document caribou declines in the Northwest Territories. Pat Kane said he will be working with the Caribou Guardians Coalition and Tłı̨chǫ Boots on the Ground “to help amplify their research and stories to a wider, international audience that don’t know this topic as well as we do here.”
28 October 2024 | Cabin radio
N.W.T. board considering whether Tłı̨chǫ should be allowed to increase caribou harvest
The Wek'èezhìı Renewable Resources Board is considering an increase to the number of caribou Tlicho people can hunt from the Bluenose East herd. A proposal would increase caribou hunted by Tlicho people from 193 to 395. the herd had been declining for several years, but a 2023 count showed an increase to 39,525. The herd's rnge includes land in the Northwest Territories and in Nunavut. The Nunavut government is currently considering an application by the community of Kugluktuk to increase its harvest of the herd from 170 to 450 animals a year.
23 September 2024 | CBC North
Caribou and Gwich'in descend 'from one heart'
A brief feature on the connection between Gwich'in and caribou, touching on the political fight to preserve the breeding grounds of the Porcupine caribou, and the meaning of caribou to Gwich'in food security.
13 September 2024 | northern news services
Iqaluit Hunters and Trappers Association wants more say on caribou hunting
A bief video news story about a disagreement over allocation of tags to hunt caribou of Baffin Island. The local hunters and trappers organization wants more tags allocated by the government of Nunavut.
12 August 2024 | CBC North
New Fortymile Caribou Hunt Quota
A news release from the Alaska department of Fish and Game announcing reduced hunting quotas in the Alaskan range of the Fortymile herd. The new quota if for bullls only and is set at animals for the 2024/25 hunting season. The reduction in allowed hunting levels is based on the Department's new estimate of the herd's size. The department did a photographic estimate of the herd size last summer, and based on that data has modeled a herd size of 28,000-34,000.
18 July 2024 | Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Protectors of Aqviqtuuq
A longer story about the efforts of people in Taloyoak, Nunavut to create the Aqviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area. The proposal would cover about 90,000 square milometres, and would include the calving grounds of the Ahiak caribou herd. Local people hope to have the conservation designation in place by 2030.
15 July 2024 | Canadian Geographic
Winds of change
A company is planning to site wind turbines to generate electricity near the Nunavut communities of Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake, and is planning in advance to monitor local caribou movements near the proposed sites. Survey stations are being set up this summer. The story gave no information about how soon the wind turbines might be installed.
11 July 2024 | Nunavut News
OPINION: Biologists dispute the state’s Mulchatna ‘intensive management’ rationale
This article from Alaska is included as it addresses the questions of predator control as a method of increasing numbers in a migratory caribou herd, and the idea of trying to set an "appropriate" target for a herd's size.
5 July 2024 | Alaska Daily News
State kills over 80 bears in Southwest Alaska in second-year effort to boost caribou
A news story from Alaska, where state widllife officials have undertyaken an agggressive program of predator control for a second year, in an attempt to boost caribou numbers. The cull took place on the range of the Mulchatna herd in southwest Alaska. Of the animals killed, the most (81) were brown bears along with 15 wolves. State officials say the ratio of calves that survived the summar doubled last year, the first year of the predator control program, but two former state biologists quoted dispute the impact of predators on the herd.
24 June 2024 | Anchorage Daily News
In the Arctic, a massive new Inuvialuit-led conservation area protects Porcupine caribou grounds
A feature on the creation of a new protected area in the range of the Pocrupine Caribou herd. The Aullaviat/Anguniarvik Traditional Conservation Area (where the animals travel through and where people harvest) covers more than 8,000 square kilometres of land in Northeast Yukon. The new Inuvialuit-led protected area will complete a network of protected areas that covers most of the Canadian portion of the range of the Porcupine caribou herd. A $13.5 million trust fund will support a management plan and a Guardians program.
19 June 2024 | The Narwhal
Arctic caribou management board releases 10-year plan
A news story about the release of a new 10 year management plan by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou management board. The story notes that the plan was build on two guiding principles, "shared responsibility and prioritizing caribou in the caribou-people relationship". It also notes that the plan identifies four main priority areas with associated activities, but those are not listed in the story.
18 June 2024 | Laronge Now
Notes from the Trail: Caribou herds cannot withstand many more acts of senseless violence
This opinion piece argues for ending public access to a winter road north of Yellowknife, due to its use by people hunting caribou. According to reports, remains of a dozen or more caribou were found recently along the mining access road, and there was much meat wastage.
8 March 2024 | NNSL
Are Baffin Island’s caribou numbers growing? Researchers plan to find out
A new count of Baffin Island caribou is to be carried out this year. The aerial survey will look to confirm anecdotal reports and smaller surveys indicating that the herd on the island is growing. The last major survey of the herd in 2014 indicated that ti had shrunk dramatically to about 4,600.
4 March 2024 | Nunatsiaq News
The Double-Edged Sword of Genetic Diversity in Caribou
A study of caribou genetics finds that "caribou maintain a high level of genetic diversity". This could be both a good thing and a bad thing. Genetic diversity can help species adapt. But when population numbers are low, genes that might harm a herd's ability to survive can become more common in a population.
29 February 2024 | trent university
Colville Lake declines to share caribou information with GNWT
Hearings were held in the Sahtu region of the Northwest Territories to discuss the impacts of wildfire on caribou. One First Nation declined to share information at the session, noting that elders have warned against publicly discussing things beyond their control such as caribou and weather. A manager of environmental assessment and habitat with the territorial government told the meeting, "Loss of habitat from wildfires has been identified as a main threat to barren-ground caribou."
26 February 2024 | Cabin Radio
GN closes Baffin Island caribou harvest
Brief news story announcing the closure of Baffin Island caribou harvest for the year. The annual harvest is capped at 400 animals.
13 February 2024 | Nunatsiaq News
Oil field road traffic disrupts North Slope caribou more than previously recognized
Acording to this news article, a new study has found that the threshold for traffic to disturb caribou is lower than previously thought. The article says five vehicles per hour is enough to distrub caribou near the road. The prvious generally accepted figure was 15 vehicles per hour. The study foused on the Central Arctic Caribour Herd in Alaska
17 January 2024 | Alaska Public Media
Caribou Management in Alaska
An Alaska public radio call-in program on the subject of caribou management, including climate change impacts and harvest levels. The program runs just under an hour. Not Canadian, but discussing similar issues.
10 January 2024 | Alaska Public Media
Taking a Bite Out of Caribou Herds
An article written by a researcher looking into the factors affecting the decline of barren ground caribou, particularly the Bathurst herd. The researcher is a member of the "Kutz lab" team that has been working alongside Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories to investigate causes of the decline, and monitor caribou health. "In the coming year, we are initiating a new project for Central Canadian barren-ground caribou to see whether Indigenous knowledge of caribou health, coupled with harvester-based sampling and local field observations, can anticipate population shifts for proactive management."
14 December 2023 | fair chase magazine
For the Gwich’in People, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Isn’t a Political Issue, It’s Home
A brief magazine article focusing on the importance of the Porcupine caribou herd to Gwich'in people. The article is written in the context of continuing pressure to open up a part of the herd's Alaskan calving grounds to oil and gas exploration and development.
7 December 2023 | Smithsonian Magazine
All-season road between Tibbitt Lake and Lockhart Lake moves forward despite dwindling diamonds
The government of the Northwest Territories plans to proceed with an all season road that pushes into a mineral-rich region north of Yellowknife. There are concerns the road would imperil already-declining caribou herds, especially the endangered Bathurst herd. An environmental review of development in the region is pending.
1 December 2023 | CBC North
Caribou numbers will decline as long as Nunavut goes without land use plan says former premier
This story talks about the impacts on caribou from the lack of a land use plan for Nunavut. The plan, which has been in preparation for many years, was submitted to governments and Nunvut Tunngavik Incorporated (the Nunavut land claims organization) earlier this year. Former premier Paul Okalik blames the absence of a plan for the encroachment of mining companies on caribou calving grounds, and subsequent threats to caribou populations.
30 November 2023 | APTN
Review board recommends against Meliadine mine extension
The projet review board for Nunavut has recommended against the expansion of a gold mine north of Rankin Inlet. The Nunavut Impact Review Board says impacts of the expansion pose a risk to the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The board's recommendation goes to the federal Minister of Nortern Affairs for a final decision.
22 November 2023 | Nunatsiaq News
Where Are All the Caribou?
A magazine length story talking about the general decline of barren-ground caribou and the impacts of that deline on local people. The story includes a focus on the Bathurst Caribou herd, the Western Arctic herd in Alaska, and a mention of the Porcupine herd. The story mentions various possible factors in the decline with making any conclusions.
20 November 2023 | National geographic
Barren-ground caribou shouldn’t be listed as threatened: GN
The Government of Nunavut says it will not support caribou being listed as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act. Consultations on the listing are currently underway. The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board is on record supporting the listing.
13 November 2023 | Nunatsiaq news
GNWT issues appeal over caribou harvesting near Inuvik-Tuk Highway
A brief story about reported illegal harvesting of caribou near the highway linking Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories.
8 November 2023 | Cabin Radio
Agnico Eagle now complying with caribou order for Meadowbank, feds say
A mine north of Baker Lake in Nunavut has agreed to change some aspects of how it monitors and responds to caribou near the mine. Earlier in 2023, the Meadowbank Mine, owned by Agnico Eagle had been ordered by the federal government to comply with its permits relating to when and how it ceases operations on mining roads when caribou are present. The news story quotes a government document stating that the government is now satisfied with the mine owner's compliance with the earlier order.
5 October 2023 | CBC North
Caribou concerns dominate hearing on Nunavut mine extension
Public hearings about proposed extensions of a gold mining project near Rankin Inlet have heard fears about the potential impacts on caribou. A proposed wind farm is of particular concern, as local people say it is close to calving grounds.
20 September 2023 | CBC
Final hearing on future of Meliadine gold mine begins in Rankin Inlet
A proposal to extend the life of a gold mine near Rankin Inlet in Nunavut has raised concerns about the project's impact on caribou. The Meliadine mine proposal is being reviewed by the Nunavut Impact Review Board. One concern raised by the local Inuit association regards the impacts of a proposed wind farm at the mine. The Kivalliq Inuit Association says, "The impacts of wind turbines on barren ground caribou herds have not been studied in enough depth to truly understand the potential impacts...".
12 September 2023 | CBC
Gwich'in celebrate cancellation of oil exploration leases in Alaska's Arctic refuge Social Sharing
The US government administration annouced it is cancelling oil exploration leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, an area that includes the breeding grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. The herd migrate between Canada and Alaska. Gwich'in leaders say they will continue to push for eglislation to make the area permanently off-limits for oil and gas development. The decision was not poppular with Alaskan politicans and an organization representing the Iñupiat.
8 September 2023 | CBC
Iqaluit’s caribou harvest for 2023-24 is closed, GN announces
A brief story noting that the community of Iqaluit (capital nad largest community in Nunavut) has reached its caribou hunting quota of 74 animals for the year, and no more caribou hunting will be permitted for the Baffin Island community. The last population estimate for the Baffin herd in 2014 put the number at 4,652.
21 August 2023 | Nunatsiaq news
OPINION: Alaska’s game management goals for Mulchatna caribou are unrealistic
This is another perpsepctive on the decision by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to undertake large-scale predator control on the range of a migratory caibou herd. The department shot 94 brown bears, along with a few black bears and wolves this spring. While this is not a herd that ranges into Canada, it is an interesting discussion of various aspects of caribou management, including the efficacy of predator control, and the setting of appropriate targets for herd size.
16 August 2023 | Anchorage Daily News
Federal judge upholds pause on pre-development oil work in Arctic refuge
A news story about a judge's order to halt oil and gas survey work in the Alaskan National Widlife Refuge. The refuge contains the calving area of th Porcupine caribou herd. The state of Alaska and some of its agencies have leases in the refuge that would have permitted the first stages of development. The ruling means those who wish to undertake the oil and gas development work must "...await the results of a new environmental assessment expected later this year." The story notes that,"The federal government is expected to deliver a revised environmental impact statement by the end of September, and that could lead to a decision that changes, confirms or voids the ANWR development program altogether."
11 August 2023 | Alaska Beacon
Nunavut Planning Commission submits territory-wide land use plan for approval
A plan to guide development and conservation in Nunavut has been publicly released. To be finalized, the plan must be approved by the governments of Canada and Nunavut, and by the Inuit organization that administers the Nunavut land Claim, Nunvut Tunggavik Incorporated. A spokesperson for conservation organization WWF says the plan's protections for caribou calving grouds are a sign of progress, but he's concerned that those protections could be over-ridden by other elements of the plan.
23 June 2023 | CBC North
Feds say Agnico Eagle has failed to protect caribou at Nunavut gold mine as promised
The federal government says a company operating a gold mine near Baker Lake in Nunavut is failling to comply with promises to close roads when migrating caribou are close by. In an oficial document, a government representative has ordered the company to "...comply with its permits to operate or face potential penalties."
16 June 2023 | CBC north
Baffin caribou harvest now closed, says Environment Department
A brief story about the end of the caribou season on Baffin Island. The Nunavut territorial government set a quota of 350 animals per year on the island herd.
1 May 2023 | Nunatsiaq news
Rankin Inlet HTO enacts temporary ban on hunting caribou for selling
The hunters and trappers organization (HTO) in Rankin Inlet has banned local hunters from selling caribou meat during the calving season. The article says that hunters can still hunt for their own consumption, but there are concerns about the impact of caribou sales.
27 April 2023 | Nunatsiaq news
Mining, climate change decimates the Bathurst caribou herd in N.W.T.
Both a web story and video (3'37"), with different content. The web story concentrates more on the decline of the Bathurst Caribou herd in NWT/Nunavut, and the efforts made by local Tłı̨chǫ people to monitor the caribou and the hunting of the caribou. The video covers some of the same ground but focuses more on the efforts to amass Tłı̨chǫ knowledge around the caribou and caribou hunting.
13 April 2023 | APTN
Nunavut flips stance on caribou protection again, now supports development ban on calving grounds
The Government of Nunavut made a submission to the Nunavut Land Use Plan in which it supports banning mining development in caribou calving grounds, and taking measures to seasonally limit industrial activity in other areas important to caribou. The story notes that the government is not backing proposals by some Inuit organizations to impose mobile caribou protection measures, such as those used in the Northwest Territories to limit hunting of the Bathurst caribou herd.
11 April 2023 | cbc north
Ancient antlers show caribou calving grounds persist over millennia
A report on a study done in the calving range of the Porcupine caribou herd has looked at antlers shed after calving for evidence of how long the area has been used by the herd. A few antlers were found that were hundreds or even thousands of years old. This suggests that not only has the herd been using the area for that long, but also that it has used it through changing climatic conditions.
23 February 2023 | cabin radio
Network of guardians working to protect Bathurst caribou
A story about how Indigenous guardian programs are coming together to help conserve the decimated Bathurst Caribou herd that ranges between the NWT and Nunavut. Particpants hope that insights from the different guardian programs will help the herd recover.
27 January 2023 | Cabin Radio
Fort McPherson, N.W.T., to host summit on Porcupine caribou herd next week
A story about a gathering of Gwich'in people in the Northwest Territories to discuss the state of the Porcupine caribou herd. The herd is one of the few barren-ground caribou herds that has not experienced declines recently, though the article does raise concerns about over-harvesting and meat wastage.
20 January 2023 | cbc north
Climate change seen as suspected factor in Western Arctic Caribou Herd decline
The news story is about a drop in one of North Americ'a's largest caribou herds. Alaska’s Western Arctic herd population is 164,000 down from a high of nearly 500,000 in 2003. The article cites climate change and industrial developent as two potential causes for the drop in numbers. The lichen available to caribou has dropped markedly in recent years, and nany caribou refuse to cross a road connecting a lead zinc mine to the coast.
2 January 2023 | alaska beacon
The (re)naming of caribou
This magazine article (based on a paper by the same author) suggests that dividing caribou into more subspecies would help to recognize and conserve their biodiversity.
19 December 2022 | Canadian Geographic
Caribou management board focused on a number of challenges after most recent meetings
A report of the recent meeting of the Beverly Qaminirjuq Caribou Management Board. Amongst other issues the board discussed was the difficulty experienced by some communities in accessing the caribou. A northwards move by the caribou has meant very long travel for some hunters in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
1 December 2022 | Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation
QIA says Nunavut land-use plan doesn’t go far enough to protect caribou
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (the organization that holds land rights for Inuit in the Baffin region of Nunavut) is urging more prtoections for caribou in the Nunavut Land Use Plan. The land use plan is in its final hearing stage. The plan has been under development for several years and will influence the future of development in the territory.
18 November 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPearyAhiakBaffin IslandBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastBoothia PenninsulaCape BathurstCoats IslandLorillardTuk PeninsulaWager BaySouthampton IslandBanks-VictoriaWestern Queen ElizabethPrince of Wales - Somerset - BoothEastern Queen ElizabethDolphin and UnionRange management
Necessity of gov't quota on caribou harvesting debated at final day of Colville Lake hearing
A story outlining arguments on the final day of a court case brought to determine who sets caribou conservation rules for harvesting caribou from the Bluenose West herd in the Northwest Territories. The Small Dene community of Colville Lake is arguing rules developed by the community should take precedence, while the government insists that its approach that includes harvest limits should be applied.
14 November 2022 | CBC north
Colville Lake caribou court challenge begins in N.W.T.
A First Nation in the Sahtu region of the NWT is taking the NWT government to court over the question of rights to apply its own caribou conservation plan rather than the plan applied by the territorial government. The Behdzi Ahda First Nation in Colville Lake argues that a quota ssytem for the Bluenose West caribou herd should be set aside on the First Nation territory, and its own community conservation plan should take precedence. The Sahtu Renewable Resources Board is supporting the community's position, while the Inuvialuit Game Council supports the territorial government position.
10 November 2022 | cbc north
GN calls for federal investigation into Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank mine
The Government of Nunavut is asking the federal government to investigate what it says is a mining company's failure to follow caribou conservation measures. The Meadowbank Gold Mine, north of Baker Lake in Nunavut, is supposed to close raods when groups of caribou are in the vicinity. In a letter, a Nunavut government representative says this is the fourth year that there is evidence that the comany has not followed the rules on raod closures.
3 November 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
Diamond mine proposal draws concerns for wildlife, environment
Caribou calving areas on the south of Baffin Island (Nunavut) could be affected by a proposed diamond mine in the area. The DeBeers mine could open as soon as 2026 if granted regulatory approval. The number of caribou on the island has shrunk by an estimated 95% since highs in the 1990s..
14 October 2022 | Nunatsiaq News
Critics get their time at Nunavut land use planning hearings
A story about the hearings into the Nunavut Land Use Plan. Some speakers at hte hearings drew attention to the importance of the plan to caribou herds, and asked for more such protections before hte plan is finally adopted.
27 September 2022 | cbc north
NWT opens another illegal caribou harvest investigation
A news story about investigations into potential illegal hunting of Bathurst caribou in the Northwest Territories. The herd has shrunk by 98% from its highest levels. The territorial government instituted a mobile zone within which the caribou should not be killed to protect the remainder of the herd. The remains of caribou hunted within this zone were reportedly found by conservation staff.
19 September 2022 | Cabin Radio
Commission releases new version of Dawson land use plan
A news story about the release of a draft land use plan to be managed by the Yukon and Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation governments. The draft plan includes withdrawing a corridor used by the Fortymile caribou herd from use for quartz mining. The plan covers just under 40 thousand saquare kilometres in the Dawson region.
13 September 2022 | cbc north
ARE MIGRATING CARIBOU LOSING THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY THEY RELY ON TO SURVIVE?
The article by two prominent Canadian caribou biologists raises the issue of caribou migration memories. They suggest that caribou migrations are learned behaviour, and that in some herds where numbers have dropped very low, there may be insuffucient collective memory to sustain traditional migration routes.
16 August 2022 | The Circle (WWF)
Increase in caribou harvest for Baffin region to continue for next 8 years
The Nunavut government has approved a plan to increase the number of Baffin Island caribou that can be killed. The hunting quota for the caribou goes up by 100 this year (from 250 to 350) then continues to increase by 50 per year "for the next eight years or until new information becomes available requiring changes". The quota increase is based on an assumption that the caribou will otherwise outstrip the recovery of lichen, a major food source for the caribou.
25 July 2022 | cbc north
Qamanirjuaq caribou are adapting to earlier spring, but that might not stop their decline
A magazine article about research on the Qamanirjuaq herd, showing that the herd is starting its migration earlier and giving birth earlier, likely in response to climate change. The warming climate in the caribou range is leading to earlier greening on the caribou's summer range. The article also mentions concerns about the private sales of meat from the herd.
11 July 2022 | Canadian Geographic
Proposed Meliadine mine extension to be assessed
A mining company is proposing an expansion to its gold mine north of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. The Agnico Eagle proposal would add wind turbines and an airstrip to the mine. Some local Inuit organization fear the impact on caribou migrations. The proposal is being reviewed by the Nunavut Impact Review Board.
5 July 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
Baffin wildlife board makes case for increasing caribou harvest
A wildlife board representing Inuit in Northeast Nunavut (Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board) wants to see an increase in caribou quotas on Baffin Island. The number of caribou on Baffin Island has shrunk drastically in recent years. Local Inuit say the caribou are now increasing, and Inuit knowledge tells them the herds will outstrip the available forage if more are not taken. Meanwhile, Inuit in the northwest of Nunavut want to see the Dolphin and Union herd move from "special concern" to "endangered" under the federal species at risk legislation. That herd was estimated to number about 4,000 in 2018.
17 June 2022 | cbc north
Once eager to drill, oil companies exit leases in Arctic refuge
Three big oil firms have pulled out of oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The refuge is the calving grounds for the porcupine caribou herd that migrates between between Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Drilling in the area has been a contested issue for decades. The Gwich'in people who rely on the herd have been vocal opponents of drilling in the area.
3 June 2022 | Washington Post
Caribou protection called most problematic area of draft land-use plan
The news story says "The Nunavut Planning Commission says caribou protection is the top concern it hears about when it comes to its draft land-use plan." Hearings on the land use plan are scheduled until January 2023.
12 May 2022 | Nunatsiaq News
What caribou do, without you: Fortymile herd outfitted with cameras
A news story on the data obtained from video cameras attached to collared caribou with the Fortymile herd that migrates between Alaska and Yukon. Analysis of the video allows for estimates of what proportions of different foods the caribou are eating, and of how long they spend in different activities.
2 May 2022 | Yukon News
Parts of Northwest Alaska will be closed to nonlocal caribou and moose hunters the next 2 summers
A regulatory body in Alaska has closed off caribou and moose hunting in an area in the Northwest of the state to anyone but local residents. Local people "...asked for closures to preserve the declining moose and caribou population, restore the caribou migration pattern and protect subsistence resources desperately needed during the pandemic." 2021 figures show the Western Arctic caribou herd has declined by almost a quarter over the two years previous to the 2021 count.
4 April 2022 | Alaska Daily News
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/northern-caribou-management-board-fails-to-secure-budget-boost/
A story about the quest of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board to double its budget, in part to pay for an updated management plan for the herds. There's also a reference in the story to incresed pressures of sport hunting on the herds.
1 April 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
Public help sought to identify illegal caribou harvesters
A brief news story about more apparent illiegal hunting of caribou in the Bathurst herd. Hunting restrictions were put in place to help conserve the herd which has slipped from a high of 400,000 animals down to less than 7,000.
17 March 2022 | Northern news services
Tłı̨chǫ Gov't says caribou herds need 'balance' between conservation, harvesting, industry
A news article that talks about the need to balance the pressures on Northwest Territories caribou herds. The article notes that the Bluenose East herd seem to be recovering, while the Bathurst herd contniues to decline.
14 March 2022 | CBC north
N.W.T. judge tasked with clearing 'log jam' built by differing caribou worldviews
A news story about a court challenge lodged by Sahtu communities after the Northwest Territories government rejected a community conservation plan for the Bluenose West herd.The Colville Lake Renewable Resources Council (CLRRC), Behdzi Ahda First Nation and Ayoni Keh Land Corporation and the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board are challenging the decision. The herd is officially estimated at about fewer than 19,000 animals, down from a high of 110,000.
3 March 2022 | cbc north
N.W.T. wildlife officers investigate possible caribou poaching near MacKay Lake
A news story about potential caribou poaching north of Yellowknife, NWT. A helicopter patrol along the winter road system spotted some caribou being hunted inside a prohibited zone set up to protect the Bathurst caribou herd.
18 February 2022 | CBC North
Genetic legacy of last glaciation influences reindeer's seasonal migrations
This news release is about a new study that cross referenced GPS tracked movements and genetics of caribou, and found genes thought to be associated with migratory behaviour. The genetic differences are thought to spring from a genetic division during the last ice age, when populations were physically separated by ice sheets. The study authors say this has implications for possible loss of migratory behaviours if genes are lost through shrinking populations.
11 February 2022 | Science Daily
The biggest land use plan in the world: how Nunavut is putting mining and conservation on the map
This longer story is about the Nunavut land use plan. The draft plan designates key caribou habitat such as calving areas as "limited use" effectively closing them off to industrial development such as mining. The plan has been in development for fifteen years, and is now considered close to completion.
18 January 2022 | The Narwhal
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board seeks to more than double its funding
The lead of the story is that the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board is looking to double its budget citing climate change as a complicating factor in conserving the herd. The story also notes that the board is revising its caribou management plan in 2022.
30 December 2021 | cbc north
Barren-Ground Caribou Population Surveys Indicate Positive Signs for Some Herds, and Ongoing Concerns for the Bathurst Herd
Caribou herd counts were released for five herds surveyed in 2021. All five herds were last surveyed in 2018. Three herds (Tukotyaktuk Peninsula, Cape Bathurst, Bluenose East) show slight increases, the other two (Bathust and Bluenose West) show further declines.
21 December 2021 | Government of the NWT
Shrinking Western Arctic Caribou Herd prompts discussion about future hunting restrictions
The Western Arctic herd in Northwest Alaska has declined by 23% over the past two years. The decline has prompted a working group to change the status of the herd to "preservative declining". the story suggest this "...could lead to a prohibition on the harvest of calves, further limits on the cow harvest for residents and the closure of hunting for nonresidents." there are several reasons discussed for the decline, including a mining road disrupting migration.
20 December 2021 | Anchorage daily news (alaska)
Indigenous groups concerned about Point Lake’s impact on caribou
This news story talks about the concerns raised by Indigenous organizations at a hearing into a potential new diamond development about 300 km northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. The Indigenous organization representatives fear that the waste rock from the mine will interfere with the health of the depleted Bathurst caribou herd. The mining company says it has taken measures to ensure that the proposed mine does not significantly impede caribou movement.
13 December 2021 | cabin radio (NWT)
Arctic lays out environmental plan for Point Lake
This news story talks about the plan for the Arctic Canadian Diamond Company to pursue a new diamond mining project at Point Lake, near the company's existing mine at Ekati. The company plans to try to mitigate the impacts on Caribou of mine infrastructure; "Arctic’s plan includes caribou monitoring, ramps on an access road that will allow caribou to cross, investment of $500,000 over three years in research on the Bathurst caribou herd, and support for an on-the-land culture camp. Arctic’s plan includes caribou monitoring, ramps on an access road that will allow caribou to cross, investment of $500,000 over three years in research on the Bathurst caribou herd, and support for an on-the-land culture camp. "
29 November 2021 | Cabin Radio (NWT)
Bluenose East caribou hunting limit set at 170 tags as herd continues to decline: GN
short news story about a government of Nunavut decision to limit harvest from the Bluenose East herd at 170 animals this year. The herd is mostly hunted by people from Kugluktuk in its Nunavut range. the herd size was estimated at 19,000 in 2018, down from 120,000 in 2010.
15 November 2021 | Nunavut news
Remotely-sensed trends in vegetation productivity and phenology during population decline of the Bathurst caribou herd
This is both a written interview, and the same information in audio format with the two authors of a paper that used satellite information to map out changes in vegetation in the range of the Bathurst Caribou (NWT/Nunavut). The satellite data did show changes in the vegetation patterns and the authors are onw traveeling to different places within the herd range to see what those changes look like on the ground. The researchers are curious about whether the vegetation changes might have some influence on the herd's recent drastic decline.
9 November 2021 | Canadian Science Publishing
Caribou populations are dwindling, and we’re in denial about it
An opinion piece from Yukon Conservation Society about the impacts of industrial development on caribou herds. It notes that caribou habitat in Yukon is relatively well-protected.
26 October 2021 | Yukon News
Decades-long plan to protect caribou in Nunavut nearing completion
An online article and associated radio broadcast about the near-completion on the Nunavut Land Use Plan, and its implications for caribou conservation.
13 October 2021 | CBC radio
Caribou are vanishing at an alarming rate. Is it too late to save them?
A magazine-length article giving an overview of some of the challenges facing caribou in Canada, and the impacts of caribou decline. It includes both barren-ground and woodland caribou.
7 September 2021 | Canadian Geographic
Highly Contagious Bacteria Infects Mulchatna Caribou Herd
This 18'15" interview focuses mostly on the incidence of the disease brucellosis in the Mulchatna caribou herd in Alaska but also touches on other diseases and parasites, and the connection to climate change. The migratory southwest Alaskan herd has suffered declines similar to those seen in much of northern Canada.
23 July 2021 | KYUK (Alaska)
Colville Lake challenging caribou decision in court
A news story about the Northwest Territories community of Colville Lake (Behdzi Ahda First Nation) asking the NWT Supreme Court to rule on the application of the tag and quota system for caribou hunting. The community had developed its own conservation plan for hunting the Bluenose East herd, a plan that was approved by the Sahtu renewable Resources Board. The Territorial Minister of Environment and Natural Resources over-ruled the Board's decision citing the herd's continuing low numbers.
7 June 2021 | CBC north
We watch everything: Dene Elders guide effort to save vanishing Arctic caribou
Photo essay about the Ekwǫ̀ Nàxoède K’è: Boots on the Ground program, initiated by the Tłı̨chǫ Government in the Northwest Territories. The program is designed to monitor the dwindling caribou in the region, teach land skills, and pass on culture.
17 May 2021 | the Narwhal
Don’t waste caribou, Kivalliq HTO tells hunters
A spokesperson for the local Hunters and Trappers Organization in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut urges people to not waste parts of the caribou they hunt. The story speaks of anecdotal evidence that people are leaving less sought-after parts of the caribou behind.
7 May 2021 | Nunatsiaq News (Nunavut)
What Human Rights Look Like: Border-Crossing Caribou and a Fight for Environmental Justice
This article focuses on the advocacy of Lenny Kohm, a photographer who worked with Gwich'in (a first nation in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Alaska) to create the Last Great Wilderness show that focused on opposition to drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge in Alaska contains the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd that migrates between Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
23 April 2021 | Network in Canadian History & Environment
NWT asks for input on Bathurst caribou management plan
A news story about the consultations being held on a draft Bathurst Caribou Management Plan by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The herd numbers have plummeted by 98% since 1986. The plan was co-developed by a variety of governments and other institutions.
22 April 2021 | Cabin Radio (NWT)
Dene governments in N.W.T. launch ice road caribou harvest monitoring
An online news story about Indigenous governments monitoring caribou hunting along the ice road north of Yellowknife. Both the Tli'cho government and Yellowknives Dene have set up monitoring stations in the area, adding to the checks by the government of the Northwest Territories. The Indigenous-run checkpoints are not enforcing rules, just watching hunters and caribou.
19 April 2021 | APTN
Listen: Monitoring the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road for illegal caribou harvesting
A multimedia page, including an 11 minute sound file focusing on the problems with illegal hunting on the ice road north of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.
13 April 2021 | CKLB (NWT)
monitoring caribou on the winter road
This is an online story and 4'23" video talking about the efforts to monitor caribou hunting in the area north of Yellowknofe. Recent concerns about bad hunting practices, including meat wastage are mentioned.
2 April 2021 | Cabin radio (NWT)
Caribou pay when Dene laws are broken
An opinion column that talks about the importance of traditional Indigenous hunting practices for caribou conservation. The author lists some of the traditional hunting laws, and the responsibility of communities to enforce those laws.
29 March 2021 | Northern news service
Premier says government won’t regulate online caribou meat sales
The government of Nunavut says it cannot regulate the online sales of caribou meat after concerns were raised by local politicians about the impact of such sales on the
Qamanirjuaq herd. The government says it cannot interfere because of the terms of the Nunavut land claim, so the issue should be taken to the land claims organization, Nunavut Tunggavik Incorporated (NTI). NTI says the volume of sales and the impact on caribou numbers are uncertain, so it is "premature to propose restrictions".
22 March 2021 | Nunatsiaq News
No disrespect – but the Bathurst caribou situation is grim
This opinion piece talks about the impact of hunting from a winter road on the Bathurst caribou herd. The author suggests that the road, used to resupply diamond mines north of Yellowknife, should be closed to the public
17 March 2021 | NWT News/north
Illegal hunting of caribou herds along winter roads running rampant
A news story about an increase in caribou hunting infractions in the Northwest Territories. There are particular concerns about meat wastage and bad hunting practices along the access roads to the diamond mines northeast of Yellowknife. NWT officials say "they are currently investigating the illegal harvest of over 50 caribou so far this winter, compared to less than 10 at this point last year."
10 March 2021 | CBC North
Community plans to lead caribou conservation in Sahtú region
This news story is about a decision by the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board (Northwest Territories) to approve a community-led approach to managing caribou. The communities of Colville Lake and Délı̨nę have already developed plans. Once the community plans are fully approved, a "total allowable harvest" quota system administered by the Renewable Resources Board will be lifted, although it can be reimposed if the Board thinks it necessary.
18 November 2020 | CKLB Radio
N.W.T. wolf cull 'inhumane and unnecessary,' says Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation
This news story quotes a submission by the Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation to an official request by the NWT and Tlicho governments for feedback on plans to cull wolves. The wolf-culling program is intended to help protect the Bluenose East and Bathurst caribou herds. Both of them have declined dramatically in the past few years. The First Nation's letter calls the wolf-culling plan "inhumane and unnecessary".
17 November 2020 | CBC North
Canada’s environment minister concerned about Alaska seismic project impacts on Indigenous communities and trans-border wildlife
News item about the concerns raised by Canada's Environment Minister regarding planned development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The area is the calving ground for the Porcupine Caribou herd that ranges into Yukon and the NWT. Seismic work in the reserve is planned for this winter, stretching into the time when caribou begin arriving in the area for calving.
11 November 2020 | RCI - eye on the Arctic
Climate is changing Arctic wildlife habits; unique international study
This web story talks about a new study that looked at long term movement patterns in a variety of Arctic wildlife, including caribou. The story notes, "...there is evidence of earlier migrations to the north, and for example earlier births among northern caribou, not seen in more southerly herds. This may result in the higher mortality being observed in northern caribou herds as nutritious food may not be sprouting at the same time as migrations and calving."
6 November 2020 | Radio Canada International
N.W.T. harvesters will get more training to kill wolves, help caribou population
A story about the NWT and Tłı̨chǫ governments' plans to help train local harvesters to kills wolves. This is part of the attempt to reduce wolf predation on the Bathurst and Bluenose East caribou herds. At the moment only one person in theTłı̨chǫ comunities targets wolves.
28 August 2020 | CBC
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in organizes community hunt of Fortymile caribou to bridge generation gap
Members of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation (Yukon) are hunting caribou in the Fortymile herd for the first time in twenty years. The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in had voluntarily stopped hunting the caribou herd after its numbers dropped to a low of 6,500. The herd, that migrates between Yukon and Alaska is now estimated at 84,000.
13 July 2020 | CBC
Strategy to help NWT’s beleaguered caribou is released
A news story about a new recovery strategy for barren-ground caribou herds in the NWT. The strategy was developed by group of governments and regulatory boards, collectively known as the Conference of Management Authorities. The recovery strategy will guide how all NWT herds of barren-ground caribou are managed, with the exception of the Porcupine herd.
10 July 2020 | cabin radio
Blanket protection for Nunavut caribou not the only option: wildlife biologist
A 2019 news story focusing on Nunavut caribou populations that questions the effectiveness of protected areas on caribou conservation in the territory.
5 April 2019 | Nunatsiaq News
'Deadly serious': 2 caribou herds shrink by half in latest count
A 2018 news story about the rapid decline of the Bathurst and Bluenose-East herds.
20 November 2018 | CBC
Barren ground caribou classified as 'threatened' in the N.W.T.
A 2018 news story about the addition of barren-ground caribou to the NWT Species At Risk list.
11 July 2018 | CBC
Related resources
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ROADS ON BARREN-GROUND CARIBOU IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
This is a draft 67 page document produced by the Government of the Northwest Territories to lay out its existing knowledge of the effects of roads on caribou, and ideas for how impacts could be reduced. The document includes a survey for people to provide feedback, and a summary of the relevant literature reviewed in the production of the document. The report notes, "The biggest threat to barren-ground caribou in the NWT is industrial development" .
(2026)
CARIBOU FUTURES: ASSESSING VULNERABILITY OF MIGRATORY TUNDRA CARIBOU TO CLIMATE CHANGE
This 61 page report models the impacts of climate change on three migratory caribou herds; the Western Arctic (Alaska) Bathurst (Canada) and Taimyr (Russia). The report suggests that climate impacts on several other migratory herds may be inferred from these three. The report considers impacts on the three herds under different warming scenarios in 2050 and in 2100. The report finds that even under optimistic warming scenarios all three of the herds (the Bathurst and Taimyr) face further decline. The report does not consider the cumulative impacts of infrastructure development with the caribou herds range.
WWF Arctic Programme (2026)
Caribou conservation Wapusk National Park
A Park Canada web page on caribou conservation issues in Wapusk National Park, near Churchill Manitoba. The page provides an overview of conservation challenges including climate change and human disturbance causing habitat loss or avoidance, and also talks about research and management measures. Two herds occur in the park, the Cape Churchill herd, and the Qamanirjuaq herd.
(2026)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqEastern MigratoryBarren-groundCape ChurchillManaging huntingRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsHuntingAerial Abundance Estimates and Trends of the Barren-Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) of Baffin Island Nunavut – March 2024 and 2025
A 134 page technical report on the results of aerial surveys in 2024-25 on the Baffin Island caribou. The report found the caribou population had rebounded from an estimated 4,645 in 2014 to an estimate of 48,681. The report credits reductions in harvest levels and other hunting regulations for the recovery of the population.
(2026)
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Barren-groundBaffin IslandManaging huntingClimate changeHunting2025 population survey results released for the Bathurst and Bluenose-East Barren-Ground Caribou herds
A news release from the government of the Northwest Territories that discusses declines in two herds, the Bluenose East herd, and the Bathurst herd. The Bluenose East herd has declined my more than 25% since the 2023 popultion estimate, and the Bathurst herd has shrunk by 47% since 2022. The government say it will "meet with co-management partners over the coming weeks and months to review these results and discuss next steps to protect the herds."
(2025)
Beverly Herd Population Increasing
This web story is a brief account on the meeting the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board in May 2025. As the title suggests, the most important news in an upturn in the numberso of the Beverly herd by almost 50% from 2018 to 2023. Other issues noted are the impacts of roads on caribou herds, and better public education about parasites found in caribou.
(2025)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundRange managementHuman disturbanceNatural factorsShifting and expanding ranges of a sub-Arctic caribou herd and associated changes in vegetation
An open-access academic article that examines the impact of an increasing caribou herd (the Fortymile herd, share between Alaska and Yukon) on its forage resources. The study found that when the herd was increasing, key forage areas were depleted of favoured caribou forage items such as lichens and willow, and that this may have led to the herd's subsequent deline.
Ecological applications (2025)
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Barren-groundFortymileClimate changeNatural factorsMismatch in reindeer resilience to past and future warming signals ongoing declines
An academic paper that looks back at how caribou survived past climate fluctuations and hunting patterns and uses that information to model how likely they are to survive projected warming over the next few decades. Under a 'business as usual' climate scenario, caribou numbers in North America are predicted to decline by as much as 84% by 2100. Under a more optimistic warming projection, number are still projected to decline by 42%.
Science Advances (2025)
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Barren-groundPearyDolphin and UnionClimate changeHuntingBACKGROUNDER: 2025 Survey Results for the Bathurst and Bluenose-East Barren-ground Caribou Herds
A background document to support the news release put out by the government of the Northwest Territories on the further declimne of two caribou herds, the Bathurst herd and the Bluenose East herd. The backgrounder lists the management partners for the herds and includes some additional information on harvesting levels and dta sources for the population estimates.
(2025)
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Barren-groundBathurstBluenose EastManaging huntingHuntingsummary of calving ground surveys
A summary of the calving ground surveys conducted in June 2025 on the Bathurst and Bluenose East caribou herds. Numbers show a decline in both herds. This brief report also has some interesting data showing female collared caribou from the Bathurst herd switching to both Bluenose East and Beverly herds.
Yellowknives Dene First Nation (2025)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstBluenose EastNobody Knows Why the Caribou Are Disappearing
A book excerpt (from Frostlines: A Journey Through Entangled Lives and Landscapes in a Warming Arctic) describing the decline of the Bathurst caribou herd, and the response of Tłı̨chǫ people to disappearance of the caribou.
literary hub (2025)
Jay Macdonald: Our Commitment to Caribou Stewardship
A Minister's statement by NWT government Minister of Environment nd Climate Change focusing on barren ground caribou. The statement includes information about a public education campaign on respectful hunting, and plans to survey three herds found in the territoriy in summer of 2024.
(2024)
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Barren-groundBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstTuk PeninsulaManaging huntingHuntingmeasuring contaminants in northern caribou
In this 3':15" video interview, research scientist Mary Gamberg talks about a project that measures contaminants in northern caribou herds. The project focuses primarily on the Porcupine and Qamanirjuaq herds, but other herds have also been sampled. This is part of a series of four video interviews on the topic of contaminants in caribou.
(2024)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundContaminantsContaminants and eating caribou
In this one minute video research scientist Mary Gamberg talks about contaminants and eating caribou. This is part two in a series of interviews on the topic of contaminants and caribou.
(2024)
caribou and plastics
This 5'52 video features research scientist Mary Gamberg talking about new research into assessing microplastics in caribou. The research is just beginning and is likely the first research of its kind done on land animals in the Arctic.
(2024)
Population genetics of caribou in the Alaska-Yukon border region: implications for designation of conservation units and small herd persistence
An academic paper giving results from the genetics of carious caribou herds near the Yukon/Alaska border, including the Fortymile herd. This is important for conservation purposes, as the paper notes, "Canada classified caribou Designatable Units (DUs) for conservation in 2011, but lacked the genetic data needed to assess herds in the central Yukon...".However, the study was unable to definitvely assign the Fortymile herd to the barrenground caribou 'designatable unit' finding that the herd shared genetics with some northern mountain caribou herds.
(2024)
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PorcupineBarren-groundFortymileRange managementManagementA taste of space: Remote animal observations and discrete-choice models provide new insights into foraging and density dynamics for a large subarctic herbivore
An academic paper describing results from anaylzing footage from cameras on caribou collars. The paper focuses on the sorts of food that caribou of the Fortymile herd are eating. This information is important in selecting conservation areas, and in understanding how caribou diets (and numbers) might change in response to climat change.
(2024)
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Barren-groundFortymileRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceGovernment of Canada announces funding for Indigenous communities to protect species at risk and their habitats
A news release from the federal department of Environment and Climate Change. It announces funding for Indigenous-led projects to address threats to species at risk and their habitats. Two northern caribou projects are included, one in a harvest monitoring prohram run by the Tlicho government (Northwest Territories) and the other is a science/traditional knowledge approach to monitoring the health of the Dolphin and Union herd of caribou by the Olokhaktomiut Hunter's and Trapper's Committee (Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories).
(2024)
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Barren-groundBathurstDolphin and UnionManaging huntingHuntingThe biogeochemical boomerang: Site fidelity creates nutritional hotspots that may promote recurrent calving site reuse
This academic paper (not open access) suggests that one reason for caribou to return to calving sites is that nutrients from birth fluids and dead calves improve the nutrient quality of plants eaten by caribou, helping them through a period of heightened energy demands. The authors tested the hypothesis by adding a solution simulating caribou birth fluid. The nitrogen-rich fluids resulted in more nitrogen-rich plant growth, providing more nutritious plants that caribou could eat while suckling calves.
ecology letters (2024)
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Eastern MigratoryBarren-groundPearyNatural factorsNow Innovating: One Health strategies for Arctic wildlife monitoring
A 13:08 video interview featuring Dr. Eleanor Dickinson, a researcher at the University of Calgary whose Arctic research focuses on caribou and muskox. Her work on wildlife health is done alongside community members who provide samples, and she also solicits Indigenous knowledge about the animals' health and behaviours. She also talks about the 'one health' approach, combining animal, human and environmental health.
(2024)
Evidence for an Adaptive, Large-Scale Range Shift in a Long-Distance Terrestrial Migrant
A study of a migratory caribou herd in northwest Alaska finds that low survival rates in part of the range has an impact of where caribou choose to overwinter in following years. The study suggest that the herd 'remembers' poor survival rates, and chooses other winter range instead as part of an daptive response.
(2024)
Snowmelt Onset and Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) Spring Migration
An academic paper that tracks the spring migration of the Bathurst caribou herd (NWT/Nunavut) against snow conditions in the wintering area. It found that there does appear to be a connection between a change in snow conditions (beginning of the snow melt) and the beginning of the caribou migration. On average, caribou set off 2.6 days after the start of the snow melt. The study also found that the caribou migrate at a time when the entire route is just beginning to melt. The authors suggest that, "By beginning the migration just as that transition occurs, the caribou likely stay ahead of the most difficult snow to move through."
(2024)
Migratory Tundra Caribou in a Warmer Climate
A web page on the effects of climate on migratory caribou that includes discussion of herds in Russia, Alaska and Canada. It includes projections of likely caribou herd declines with increasing warmth in their range.
(2024)
“Put on Your Caribou Hat”: Challenges to and Strategies for SuccessfulCo-Stewardship of North American Caribou Herds
An article based on a panel discussion amongst people leading caribou co-management boards. The article examines the dynamics of comanagement, success factors, and the challenges that face the caribou and the boards. One key finding is that "Finding ways to support caribou-dependent cultures to continue traditions and pass on knowledge related to caribou even when hunting is restricted will be key to continuing co-stewardship through hard times when herds are declining."
(2024)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstBluenose WestManaging huntingClimate changeHuman disturbanceHuntingLong-term trends in abundance and spring distribution of the Southampton Island caribou herd: 1978 – 2023
A detailed 125-page paper produced by Nunavut's Environment Department on the history and current challenges facing the Southampton Island herd. While brucellosis and winter weather (especially times when ice forms in the snowpack) are thought to have had effects on the herd in the past, the authors identify harvest levels, driven by sales of caribou meat on social media, as a growing concern.
(2024)
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Barren-groundSouthampton IslandManaging huntingClimate changeHuntingMorphological Traits Are Not Consistently Related to Population Size in Four Migratory Caribou Populations Across North America
Can physical appearances of caribou be used to infer population health? That was a question asked by authors of this academic paper who looked at body mass, body fat, and hind foot length in four caribou herds (Porcupine, Beverly, Leaf River and George River) and tried to see if there was a connection between those indicators and herd size or trend. The paper found that those physical indicators were not sufficient to accurately assess herd numbers or trends.
(2024)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqEastern MigratoryBarren-groundGeorge RiverLeaf RiverRange managementAboutThe Candid Caribou Project
A 3':21" video explaining research being done with trail cameras in Wapusk National Park. The trail cameras are helping to monitor the abundance and behaviours of the Cape Churchill caribou herd. The videos gives a brief overview of the project, and some messages about the importance of caribou at the end.
(2023)
Continental synchrony and local responses: Climatic effects on spatiotemporal patterns of calving in a social ungulate
This paper looked at data from seven barren ground caribou herds, totalling more than 1200 animals over 15 years. The authors were trying to estimate the effects of changing climate on calving. The paper notes that, "...the ability to access preferred calving areas and the ability to synchronize births in time are critical for maintaining high barren-ground caribou abundances..." in concludes, "Overall, we detected considerable variability across years and across herds, but no significant trend for earlier calving by caribou, even as broad indicators of spring and snow phenology trend earlier."
(2023)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstClimate changeCaribou as Forest Protectors
An online magazine story generally about caribou and indigenous conservation, it contains a section dealing with the Porcupine herd, quoting Joe Tetlichi, Chair of the Porcupine Caribou Management Board. He discusses climate change, development pressures on the herd's range, hunting management, and the importance of mobilizing Indigenous knowledge.
(2023)
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PorcupineBarren-groundManaging huntingRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceHuntingBQCMB - Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan - 2023
A 11'29" video by the Beverly and Qamairjuaq Caribou Management Board. It aggregates testimony from Indigenous people speaking at hearings into the Nunavut Land Use Plan in Rankin Inlet and Thompson Manitoba. The testimony highlights the importance of protecting caribou habitat, especially calving grounds. The end of the video highlights written statements from organizations expressing the same sentiments.
(2023)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundHuman disturbanceCaribou: Take Action Today for the Future
A brief statement by the Northwest Territories Minister of Environment and Natural Resources announcing a new communications push to promote ethical caribou hunting practices. The plan was co-seveloped with Indigenous governments and representatives.
GNWT (2023)
Why didn’t the caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) cross the winter road? The effect of industrial traffic on the road-crossing decisions of caribou
An academic article (not open access) that reports on a study that monitored the behaviour of collared caribou next to a winter road in the Northwest Territories used for mine access. The study found, "Caribou rarely crossed the road when any level of traffic was present; the level of traffic, not the road right-of-way, was the underlying explanatory factor for that behavioural decision." The authors suggest that adjusting traffic levels and frequencies might help mitigate the effect on caribou.
springer (2023)
Large herbivore diversity slows sea ice–associated decline in arctic tundra diversity
An academic paper that looked at the effects of caribou and muskox on biodiversity in Arctic tundra. The loss of sea ice is affecting tundra biodiversity, but the experiment documented in this paper found that the loss of biodiversity was slower where caribou and muskox were present.
(2023)
Evidence of migratory coupling between grey wolves and migratory caribou
An academic paper examining movement of wolves following caribou herds in Northern Quebec.
(2023)
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Barren-groundLeaf RiverManaging predatorsNatural factorsGwich'in Elder: Mary Effie Snowshoe
A 7':06" video highlighting a Gwich'in (Northwest Territories) elder filmed at a caribou summit in Fort McPherson. She talks about the Gwich'in relationship with caribou.
(2023)
Nunavut Impact Review Board Issues Reconsideration Report and Recommendations for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited’s “Meliadine Extension” Project Proposal, related to the Meliadine Gold Mine Project
A news release from the Nunavut Impact review board giving its reasons for turning down a request for a gold mine extension in Nunavut. The request from the Meliadine gold mine north of Rankin inlet would have added 11 years to the mine life, according to the mine owners. The review board highlighted potential effects of the mine expansion on the Qamairjuaq caribou herd and the people who rely on the herd; "...the Board noted high levels of uncertainty as to whether existing or modified mitigation measures would be sufficiently protective to prevent or manage negative effects from the Extension Proposal on caribou; especially when considering critical calving and post-calving periods. The Board also acknowledges that unpredicted negative impacts on caribou would have immediate negative effects on the ability of Inuit, Dene and Denesuline reliant on this herd to harvest caribou, which could have devastating and lasting effects on livelihood, health and culture."
Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) (2023)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundRange managementHuman disturbanceShifting trails: the shrinking range of Bathurst Caribou
An excellent new web-based resource including maps and multimedia that gives a clear description of the challenges faced by the endangered Bathurst caribou herd, and the impacts of the herd's decline on the Tłı̨chǫ. The Tłı̨chǫ are a first nation whose territories to the north of Great Slave Lake overlap with the wintering range of the Bathurst herd. This site is a good case study of the challenges facing this herd and other barren ground caribou herds.
"Fate of the Caribou" project and partners (2023)
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Barren-groundBathurstManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsHuntingEffects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic
This academic paper examined the influence of traffic volume on how caribou in Alaska's Central Arctic Herd used their summer range and road crossings. The area studied is crossed by roads to service two oil fields on the North Slope. Previous sudies had suggested that 15 vehicles per hour was the level at which the caribou tended to avoid roads areas and road crossings, but the new study suggests that use of areas near roads picks up when traffic is less than 5 vehicles per hour. The study also fund that insect harassment seemed to be a factor too - when insect harassment was higher, caribou were less likely to be deterred by roads and traffic.
(2023)
Caribou and wind turbines (Kivalliq region) - an overview of available information
A 22 slide presentation (exported as a pdf) providing an overview of effects of wind turbine development on Caribou. As the presentation points out, there is little information directly on the effects of wind turbines, so a lot of the information covers the effects of potential related disturbance. The presentation is related to plans to install wind turbines in the Nunavut communities of Baker Lake, Arviat and Rankin Inlet. The presentation was the result of a project by Heather Hayne for WWF Canada.
(2022)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceGovernment of Canada invests $3.8 million to support barrenground caribou conservation in the Northwest Territories
A news release from the Canadian government department of Environment and Climate Change announcing an investment in three caribou projects of $3.8 million, to be matched equally by the government of the Northwest Territories. the release says the projects, "will monitor barren-ground caribou, their habitats, and threats that may be affecting herds in the Northwest Territories by using Indigenous and Western science and knowledge. Projects also aim to conserve and protect barren-ground caribou populations and their habitats by working to minimize human and predator impacts, and identifying important barren-ground caribou habitats such as calving grounds and migratory routes for conservation." The release doesn't mention the exact nature of the projects, or the period over which the money will be paid out.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (2022)
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Barren-groundRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsBathurst caribou health guide
Visual assessment of caribou health is very difficult. To better understand the current health status of Bathurst caribou, Kaitlyn Dornstauder, a University of Calgary Veterinary student working in the lab of Susan Kutz, teamed up with Ekwò Naxoehdeè K’è (A Tlicho government project to monitor caribou, translated as "boots on the ground") to develop a caribou health field guide to help improve observations of caribou condition on the barren lands. This is a poster describing the project.
Kaitlyn Dornstauder (2022)
Behaviour is more important than thermal performance for an Arctic host–parasite system under climate change
An academic paper reporting on combined experimentation and modeling to try to assess the effects of climate change on a common caribou/reindeer gut parasite. The paper found that not just changing temperatures, but the ways in which parasites may change their behaviours, and ways in which caribou may also change theoir behaviours are likely to be more important factors.
(2022)
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Barren-groundBathurstClimate changeNatural factorsUpdate on the global status of wild reindeer and caribou
This online article gives a relatively brief overview of the status of wild caribou and reindeer around the circumpolar world. There are some bright spots, but, "At the global scale, the historical trend continues with declining abundance and contracting distribution for most Rangifer populations." The global population of wild caribou and reindeer is estimated ar 2.43 million, down from 2.8 million in 2016.
(2022)
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PorcupineBarren-groundPearyGeorge RiverRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsThe Effect of Traffic Levels on the Distribution and Behaviour of Calving Caribou in an Arctic Oilfield
14 page (without reference list) academic journal article on the effects of traffic and infrastructure on the behaviour of calving caribou from the Central Arctic (barren ground) herd in Alaska. The paper concludes, "some behavioral disturbance and displacement of maternal caribou during calving still occur with convoying of traffic and low traffic frequency. Convoying may reduce the amount of displacement during periods between convoys, which could improve crossing success."
(2022)
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PorcupineBarren-groundRange managementHuman disturbanceCaribou and Wind Turbines Annotated Bibliography
A 75-page annotated bibliography (this means the original sources are summarized) of sources for information about the effects of wind turbines on caribou. This was a project by Heather Hayne for WWF Canada.
(2022)
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Barren-groundRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbancebibliography of sources for caribou and wind turbines
This is a bibliography of sources (both academic and grey literature) that discuss the impact of wind turbines on caribou/reindeer. The resources were compiled by Heather Hayne for WWF Canada.
(2022)
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Barren-groundRange managementThreatsClimate changeHuman disturbanceThe importance of ranges and habitat for the Porcupine Caribou Herd
A good simple and visually interesting web page/infographic that explains the importance of the different parts of the Porcupine caribou herd range. Ideal for younger audiences as a learning tool. Although specific to the Porcupine herd, it could also be used to explain the importance of range for other migratory caribou herds.
(2022)
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PorcupineBarren-groundRange managementNatural factorsAssessing trends in caribou harvest
This two-page summary of research shows the impacts of caribou declines on several communities, mostly Gwich'in in northern NWT. Overall, half of the people surveyed said that their household needs for caribou were not met. That figure was as high as 88% for Gwich'in in Inuvik. The main reason for needs being unmet was a lack of caribou availability (numbers too small, or too far away).
(2022)
Kǫ̀k’etı̀: Walking with Caribou
A beautifully shot 24':46" film that follows Indigenous Ekwǫ̀ Nàxoèhdee K’è caribou monitors in the Northwest Territories as they follow the Bathurst caribou herd to try to understnad the herd's decline. The film shows the Tłı̨chǫ people’s relationship with the caribou, and documents the passing on of knowledge about the land and the herd.
(2022)
Fortymile Caribou Herd: Video footage from caribou collars
A 1:45 video compilation of video taken from collared caribou in the fortymile herd showing a variety of behaviors including foraging, birthing, and nursing.
Alaska NPS (2021)
the refuge
This is a series of podcasts (11 altogether), most about half an hour long, focusing on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, calving ground of the Porcupine caribou herd. This in-depth series looks at the ongoing push to allow oil and gas development in the refuge. It includes the voices of Indigenous peoples who live nearby, and depend on the caribou herd. The series started in 2019, and updates were added in 2020 and 2021.
Threshold (2021)
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PorcupineBarren-groundRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceHistorical Landscape Use of Migratory Caribou: New Insights From Old Antlers
This academic paper uses shed antlers from the Central Arctic Caribou herd in Alaska to trace the herd's historical movements. The analysis shows the herd shifting its range at the same time as oil development was starting to occur in the herd's range.
(2021)
Estimation of trends in zone of influence of mine sites on barren-ground caribou populations in the Northwest Territories, Canada, using new methods
An academic study looking at how much diamond mines in the Northwest Territories influence habitat used by barren-ground caribou. The study showed these effects varied from year to year. the paper says, "The exact mechanisms that cause caribou to avoid mines, roads and oilfields has not been clearly identified. "
(2021)
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Barren-groundBathurstRange managementHuman disturbanceA decision support tool for assessing cumulative effects on an Arctic migratory tundra caribou population
This academic paper uses a "caribou cumulative effects model" to examine what would happen to the Porcupine Caribou herd if oil and gas development took place in the herd's calving grounds. It concludes that the likelihood of a decline in the herd would move from 3% to 19% over the next tend years, depending on the development secenario.
ecology and Society (2021)
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PorcupineBarren-groundRange managementHuman disturbancePredicting patterns of terrestrial lichen biomass recovery following boreal wildfires
This academic paper looks at lichens, an important food for caribou. It examines the current distribution of lichens, and also the recovery time for lichens after forest fires. This varies according to climate and the dominant trees in the area.
Ecosphere (2021)
caribou contaminant report 2020-21
This is a report that covers all of the results from a project to monitor contaminants in caribou. Some tests could not be done due to lack of lab capacity udirng the pandemic. The report concludes that: "Levels of most contaminants measured in caribou tissues are not of concern, although kidney mercury and cadmium concentrations may cause some concern for human health depending on the quantity of organs consumed. Caribou meat (muscle) does not accumulate high levels of contaminants and is a healthy food choice.
Concentrations of PFASs and PBDEs are low with respect to potential toxicity to caribou or those consuming caribou. Adults consuming Sanikiluaq reindeer are recommended to consume a maximum of seven whole livers each year due to PFOS levels in those livers."
(2021)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBaffin IslandContaminants“These Trees Have Stories to Tell”:Linking Dënesǫ́łıné Oral History of Caribou Use with Trample Scar Frequencyon Black Spruce Roots at Ɂedacho Kué
This academic article combines Indigenous and scientific knowledge to elaborate on the histroy of caribou movements near the Dënesǫ́łıné community of Lutsel K'e (Northwest Territories). It is useful to not only consider the abundance history of the Bathurst and Beverly caribou herds, but also the ways in which the research was locally-directed, and the ways in which the different types of knowledge were used. The paper repeats the contention of local people that disruption caused by mining in the region is largely to blame for the current herd declines.
(2021)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstHuman disturbanceMUSKOX AND CARIBOU HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM - activity update June 2021
This 12-page document gives brief summaries about work on muskox and caribou in the central Arctic region of Canada (communities of Ulukhaktok, Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay). The research centres on the health of the two species, and includes projects to gather Indigenous knowledge on the Dolphin and Union herd, and disease prevalence in the Bluenose East herd. The research is not yet complete so few conclusions are drawn.
(2021)
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Barren-groundBluenose EastDolphin and UnionNatural factorsCritical summer foraging tradeoffs in a subarctic ungulate
This 38-page academic paper looks at the summer diet of the Fortymile caribou herd that ranges between Yukon and Alaska. It uses video from collars on the animals to analyze what they're eating, and other behaviours such as avoiding insects. The video confirmed a sharp decline in eating when insects such as mosquitoes were more present, and also confirmed that lichen is an important component of the herd's diet, even in summer.
ecology and evolution (Wiley) (2021)
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Barren-groundFortymileRange managementClimate changeCaribou and reindeer migrations in the changing Arctic
This academic paper looks at factors that affect caribou migration, including climate change and development. it concludes, "...we recommend that large areas of undeveloped critical habitat, like calving grounds, be protected to conserve Rangifer. Where barriers exist, or will exist, migrations will be altered or lost."
Animal Migration (2021)
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Barren-groundRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsNWT Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Species at Risk
A long (721 page) report on species at risk in the Northwest Territories, including barren ground caribou, Peary caribou, and Dolphin and Union caribou. This report not only assess the vulnerability of the caribou to climate change, but also assesses the importance of other risks to the caribou.
(2021)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPearyBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstDolphin and UnionClimate changeHuman disturbanceHuntingReport to the Hunters of the Lorillard Caribou May 2020 - Inuktitut
A brief report in Inuktitut from the Northern Contaminants Program on contaminants in the Lorillard herd. The animals were sampled in 2018. The report concludes, "Although it is difficult to come to any firm conclusions based on only four animals, we can say that contaminant levels in the Lorillard Caribou are similar to those in other Arctic herds. There have been no health advisories issued on any Nunavut caribou."
(2020)
RECOVERY STRATEGY FOR BARREN-GROUND CARIBOU In the Northwest Territories
This 70-page recovery strategy for barren-gound caribou in the Northwest Territories lays out plans to help the eight herds covered by the strategy. The strategy was required by the NWT Species at Risk Act after the barren-ground caribou were listed as "threatened" in 2018. The governments and co-management boards that developed the strategy have until April 9, 2021 to agree on the implementation of the recovery strategy.
Conference of Management Authorities (2020)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundAhiakBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstTuk PeninsulaManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementManagementInterchange and Overlap Among Four Adjacent Arctic Caribou Herds
This academic paper looks at four barren-ground caribou herds in Alaska (including the Porcupine herd that ranges into northern Canada) to try to understand how often individuals change herds. Of the four herds studied, the Porcupine herd had the lowest incidence of caribou joining another herd. The authors concluded, "There was greater herd interchange from the 2 smaller herds to the 2 larger herds, indicating a tendency of caribou to join larger groups or move to areas of higher caribou density."
(2020)
Large‐scale prion protein genotyping in Canadian caribou populations and potential impact on chronic wasting disease susceptibility
This academic paper is about chronic wasting disease, a brain disease that affects members of the deer family. It has not been found in Canadian caribou yet, but has been found in deer. The genetic makeup of different caribou subspecies is thought to influence their vulnerability to chronic wasting disease. This paper suggests that barren-ground caribou may be less vulnerable than the woodland and mountain caribou.
(2020)
Report to the Hunters of the Lorillard Caribou May 2020
A brief report from the Northern Contaminants Program on contaminants in the Lorillard herd. The animals were sampled in 2018. The report concludes, "Although it is difficult to come to any firm conclusions based on only four animals, we can say that contaminant levels in the Lorillard Caribou are similar to those in other Arctic herds. There have been no health advisories issued on any Nunavut caribou."
(2020)
Contaminants in Arctic Caribou Synopsis Report 2019-20
A 9 page synopsis report of the Arctic Caribou Contaminant Monitoring Program. The program covers several Arctic herds. It concludes, "Levels of most contaminants measured in caribou kidneys were not of concern toxicologically, although renal [kidney] mercury and cadmium concentrations may cause some concern for human health depending on the quantity of organs consumed. Yukon Health has advised restricting intake of kidney and liver from Yukon caribou, the recommended maximum varying depending on herd (e.g. a maximum of 25 Porcupine cariboukidneys/year). The health advisory confirms that heavy metals are very low in the meat (muscle) from caribouand this remains a healthy food choice. There have been no health advisories issued for caribou in NWT or Nunavut."
Northern contaminants program (2020)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstLorillardFortymilePeopleContaminantsRenal trace elements in barren-ground caribou subpopulations: Temporal trends and differing effects of sex, age and season
An academic paper that looks at the level of some metals in kidneys of some northern caribou. It found that copper levels are decreasing in the caribou kidneys, possibly due to changes in what caribou are eating. The paper concludes, "Declining Cu concentrations in caribou are of concern as low levels could potentially negatively affect reproduction and therefore caribou at a population level."
Science of the Total Environment (2020)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBaffin IslandBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstPeopleClimate changeContaminantsEcological insights from three decades of animal movement tracking across a changing Arctic
This academic article summarizes trends in long-term data on a variety of Arctic species movements, including barren-ground Caribou. It found, "Barren-ground caribou calved later despite occupying a similar latitudinal range as the northern boreal caribou (Fig. 3). Most importantly, barren-ground and northern woodland caribou, but not southern woodland caribou, exhibited significant trends toward earlier parturition [0.4 to 1.1 days/year (table S10)]. This is the first continental-scale retrospective evidence of potential adaptive responses to climate trends by caribou."
science magazine (2020)
Porcupine caribou resources and tools
This is a web page on which you can search for categorized information on the Porcupine caribou herd.
Porcupine Caribou Management Board (2019)
Report to the Hunters of the Qamanirjuaq Caribou – Feb 2019
With the help of local hunters, we have been taking kidney, liver and muscle samples of Qamanirjuaq caribou since 2006. We collect these samples to study changes in the levels of contaminants in kidneys and livers of caribou. These contaminants may be carried to the Arctic by wind.
(2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPeopleContaminantsRecovery strategy for Barren-Ground caribou
This 62-page 2019 draft recovery strategy for barren-ground caribou in the NWT was produced by the group of wildlife boards and governments responsible for the conservation and recovery of species at risk in the NWT.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2019)
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Barren-groundManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementInuit Perspectives on Caribou Management Workshop
This is a 17 page summary of a workshop held in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut with four local elders discussing caribou management. it includes the history of the 'Kaminuriak Caribou Herd Project' from 1980 that conducted videotaped interviews with elders, hunters and youth. The document also records the participants' list of traditional rules for caribou hunting, and discussions of other issues related to caribou, such a mining, and selling caribou meat.
Kangiqłiniq Hunters and Trappers Organization (2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundManaging huntingRange managementPeopleHuman disturbanceHuntingBarren-ground Caribou Co-Management in the NWT
A 21-page booklet explaining the different responsibilities and authroities for managing all of the barren-ground caribou herds in the NWT. It includes information on responsibilities for herds that cross borders.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementBarren-ground Caribou Survey Results FAQ
A 6-page document on the barren-ground caribou surveys conducted by the Government of the Northwest Territories in 2018.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2018)
Human disturbance effects and cumulative habitat loss in endangered migratory caribou
A 2018 academic paper to assess the effects of human disturbance on barren-ground caribou herds. This study focuses on the Leaf River and George River herds in northern Quebec and Labrador. The paper finds caribou do avoid human disturbance but makes no findings on the impacts to the health of the two herds
Université Laval (2018)
Undermining subsistence: Barren-ground caribou in a “tragedy of open access”
This 2018 academic paper argues that human disturbance, not subsistence hunting is the prime driver of caribou decline. It focuses primarily on the Bathurst Caribou Herd, shared between the NWT and Nunavut
Various (2018)
Inuit Approaches to Naming and Distinguishing Caribou: Considering Language, Place, and Homeland toward Improved Co-management
An academic paper describing how the people of Uqsuqtuuq (Gjoa Haven) in Nunavut describe different sorts of caribou. These don't match up with how biologists describe the herds. The authors suggest that a better understanding of how local people describe caribou would help in management of the herds.
(2018)
Indigenous leadership in caribou conservation
A series of 14 interviews with northern Indigenous people talking about caribou and Indigenous knowledge, recorded during the 2018 North American Caribou Workshop. Interviews range from just under 8 minutes to more than 45 minutes.
IsumaTV (2018)
Report to the Hunters of the Kivalliq Region Contaminants in Qamanirjuaq Caribou – September 2017
With the help of local hunters, we have been taking kidney, liver and muscle samples of Qamanirjuaq caribou since 2006. We collect these samples to study changes in the amount of contaminants such as mercury and lead in kidneys of caribou. These contaminants may be carried to the Arctic by wind.
(2017)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPeopleContaminantsSPECIES STATUS REPORT: Porcupine Caribou and Barren-ground Caribou
A lengthy NWT government Species at Risk assessment of barren-ground caribou and Porcupine caribou. It classifies the Porcupine caribou as “not at risk” in the NWT, and the other herds as “threatened” within the NWT. The assessment contains parallel tables that compare Indigenous and scientific knowledge on aspects of the caribou.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2017)
Determining Optimal Radio Collar Sample Sizes for Monitoring Barren-ground Caribou Populations
A 40-page 2017 academic study discussing how many radio collars would be necessary to track particular herds in the Northwest Territories.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2017)
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Barren-groundSample Sizes of Collared Barren-ground Caribou to Estimate Herd Size in Winter and Fall Management Areas to Allow Assesment of Harvest Risk
A 2016 academic paper that analyzes how many caribou it is necessary to collar to reliably define proportions of each herd in harvest areas in fall and winter. It concludes that at least 20 collars are required per herd.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2016)
General Approach to Harvest Modeling for Barren-ground Caribou Herds in the NWT and Recommendations on Harvest Based on Risk Status
A 39-page academic paper from 2016 designed to help assess the impact of hunting on barren-ground caribou herds, based on the population size and trend of a given herd.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2016)
COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Barren-ground population in Canada - 2016
The 2016 assessment report on barren-ground caribou prepared by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada (COSEWIC). It is a long, thorough and quite technical overview. It resulted in the Canadian populations of barren-ground caribou being designated “threatened” under the federal government system
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) (2016)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementVADZAIH – cooking caribou from antler to hoof
A caribou cookbook produced by the Porcupine caribou management board
Porcupine Caribou Management Board (2016)
caribou and community well-being (Gjoa Haven)
A web page with a variety of other resources centred on the link between the people of Gjoa Haven (Nunavut) and caribou. Resources on the page range from academic papers to a hand-drawn ink calendar showing the phases of local Inuit use of caribou.
Straight Up North (2016)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundAhiakBathurstLorillardWager BayPeopleReview of post-2010 Literature on Human Effects on Barren-Ground Caribou: Focus on Traditional Knowledge, Western Science and Caribou Protection Measures
This 2015 report prepared for the Nunavut Wildlife management Board reviews both scientific and traditional knowledge sources published from 2010-2015 on the effects of human disturbance on barren-ground caribou. It is organized by looking at linear features (such as roads, power lines and pipelines), resource development infrastructure (such as buildings or open pit mines), and aircraft and vehicles. It concludes that, “The impact of development on caribou is usually not due to single roads, mines, cut-blocks or seismic lines; rather, it is the cumulative effect of many habitat alterations including disturbances over time that affects caribou numbers and distribution.”
(2015)
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Barren-groundPeary caribou and barren-ground caribou COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 10
This 2015 chapter from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada analyzes the available information on threats to Peary Caribou and barren-ground caribou
Environment and Climate Change Canada (2015)
The Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West, and Bluenose-East Barren-ground Caribou Herds Management Plan
There is no management board for this herd, but there is a management plan. The plan was prepared under the authority of the Advisory Committee for Cooperation on Wildlife Management. This group brings together representatives of several renewable resources boards and committees in the NWT and Nunavut to address cross-boundary wildlife issues
Government of the Northwest Territories (2014)
Working together for Baffin Island Caribou
A brief 2013 workshop report which examines the causes and impacts of the decline of caribou on Baffin Island, and suggests some management measures.
Government of Nunavut (2013)
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Barren-groundBaffin IslandManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementPeopleClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsHuntingDenésoliné (Chipewyan) Knowledge of Barren-Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) Movements
An academic paper from 2010 on the Indigenous knowledge of caribou from elders and hunters in Lutsel K’e in the Northwest Territories. Forest fires, mining development, and failure to comply with traditional practices are all noted as influences on caribou abundance.
Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation (2010)
Caribou Hunt and Changes in Migration
This 1':59" interview in Dëne Sųłıné (Chipewyan) focuses on caribou movements around Tadoule Lake (Manitoba), and dates from 2003.
(2003)
Cadmium in caribou and muskoxen from the Canadian Yukon and Northwest Territories
Cadmium, zinc, copper and metallothionein concentrations were measured in liver and kidney tissue of caribou and muskoxen collected from various sites in the Canadian Yukon and Northwest Territories. Cadmium concentrations in caribou tissues were substantially higher than in muskoxen for all age classes and were comparable to concentrations reported for caribou from northern Quebec and Norway.
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) (1994)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundContaminantsCaribou of Northern Canada
This 1971 13 minute film from the Canadian Wildlife Service has some dated information, but good basic information on the lifecycle of the barren-ground caribou.
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) (1971)
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Barren-groundBarren-ground Caribou
A website giving information on the barren-ground herds in the NWT.
Government of the Northwest Territories
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Barren-groundBarren-ground co-management in the Northwest Territories
This 20-page document from the Government of the Northwest Territories gives an overview of how co-management bodies in the NWT participate in management of the nine barren-ground caribou herds found in the territory.
Government of the Northwest Territories