Minister advises of caribou surveys in Middle Ridge

Environment and Conservation Minister, Tom Osborne, wishes to advise the public that the Wildlife Division will be conducting a mark-resight population census of the Middle Ridge Caribou Herd in the eastern and central portions of the island between mid-February and mid-March 2006.

"As part of the census there is a requirement for some caribou to be marked using a highly visible red paint," said Minister Osborne. "After the painting is complete the herd will be counted and the relative ratio of marked animals to unmarked animals will assist in establishing the total population estimate."

Minister Osborne advises the public that the marked caribou does not indicate the animal has been injured in any way. Additionally, the public are also advised that low flying aircraft will be used in the area to conduct much of this work.

For more information, please contact Wayne Barney, Species Management Coordinator, Wildlife Division at (709) 637-2014.

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications, (709) 729-5783, 728-8650

2006 02 16                             11:40 a.m.