South Coast Caribou Survey Results Encouraging

Survey results from the recent census of the south coast caribou herds suggest that the rate of population decline has slowed, with a population estimate of 14,784 animals in the region. The population census was conducted from February 24 to March 16, 2011 as part of the province’s ongoing island caribou strategy.

“Through our ongoing island caribou strategy efforts, we are gaining valuable information which allows us to sustainably manage caribou populations for the benefit of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “These results indicate the rate of population decline has slowed compared to that witnessed in the late 1990s and early 2000s for the interior island herds.”

The last survey of this herd, conducted in 2007, provided a population count of 16,561. The current count of 14,784 is within the margin of error associated with this type of survey and is not statistically different from that of the 2007 census. Similarly, a survey in the Middle Ridge region last year resulted in a population estimate of 8,800 caribou, as compared to the 2006 estimate of 8,700.

“These results are promising for the island herds,” said Minister Wiseman. “Our continued focus on science-based caribou management will help us ensure that we have healthy populations that can be sustained for future generations.”

A survey of the Northern Peninsula herds is scheduled for winter 2012.

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Media contact:
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2011 04 28             10:30 a.m.