Environment and Conservation
February 19, 2016

Protecting Wildlife Resources

Provincial Government Surveying Caribou Herds on Island�s South Coast

The Provincial Government began a census of five woodland caribou herds on the south coast of the island of Newfoundland this week as part of ongoing research and monitoring to ensure sustainable management of the caribou population.

�Caribou are an important cultural, recreational, social and economic resource to the people of this province. The Provincial Government is committed to ensuring the sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador�s caribou herds. Monitoring of population numbers provides important information as part of our science-based management approach.�
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation

During the census, some of the caribou in the herds will be marked with highly visible red paint. The ratio of marked to unmarked animals will then be used to establish a population estimate. Neither the marking of the caribou, nor the paint itself will harm the animals. The markings will disappear as the caribou lose their winter coat in the spring.

The survey is taking place west of the Bay d�Espoir Highway and south of the Trans-Canada Highway, and involves the Pot Hill, Gaff Topsails, Grey River, Buchans and La Poile caribou herds. The public are advised that low-flying aircraft will be used during the census, which will be ongoing until the end of March.

This research builds on the work of the October 2015 report on the island of Newfoundland's caribou population, and will help guide future management of this important resource. The report summarizes five years of research and outlines key considerations for sustainable caribou management on the island of Newfoundland. The report is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/env.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government is conducting a census of five woodland caribou herds on the south coast of the island of Newfoundland.
  • During the census, some animals will be marked with red paint. The ratio of marked to unmarked animals will be used to establish population estimates.
  • The survey will take place west of the Bay d�Espoir Highway and south of the Trans-Canada Highway.
  • Low-flying aircraft will be used during the census, which will be ongoing until the end of March.

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Media contact:

Emily Timmins
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 709-693-1292
emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca

2016 02 19                             9:35 a.m.