Environment and Conservation
May 18, 2016

Protecting Wildlife Resources

Island Caribou Population Remains Robust and Healthy

The results of a recent census of five caribou herds on the south coast of Newfoundland show the island�s caribou population continues to decline but numbers remain healthy, at just under 32,000 animals.

The census of the Buchans, Grey River, Gaff Topsails, La Poile and Pot Hill caribou herds estimated their combined population at 12,420 animals, down from an estimated 14,800 in 2011. The population of the La Poile herd has declined by 39 per cent from 2007 to 2016, while the Pot Hill herd has declined by 52 per cent over the same period. The La Poile herd is now estimated at 3,400 animals and the Pot Hill herd at 1,475.

�The importance of caribou as a cultural, recreational, social and economic resource to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador cannot be underestimated. The results of this survey do not warrant any immediate adjustment to harvest quotas, however they do require continued and dedicated monitoring. The Provincial Government is committed to responsible science-based management of these herds to ensure their sustainability.�
- The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation

Newfoundland�s island caribou population has declined from a peak of about 94,000 in the late 1990s. Evidence suggests this is a natural occurrence which is consistent with the population�s repeated pattern of rapid increase and decline. Recent census surveys show that the rate of decline is slowing and some herds are showing stable or increasing numbers.

Data collected during annual fall classification surveys indicate the rates of survival of calves is lower than it should be. This continues to be a key factor in the decline.

The Provincial Government conducted a census in February and March 2016 as part of ongoing research and monitoring to ensure sustainable management of the caribou population. The survey took place west of the Bay d�Espoir Highway and south of the Trans-Canada Highway.

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 caribou population on the island of Newfoundland remains robust and healthy at just under 32,000 animals, despite a continued gradual decline in numbers.
• The results of a winter survey of five herds on the island�s south coast estimates their combined population at 12,420 animals, down from 14,800 in 2011.
• The La Poile and Pot Hill herds have declined by 39 and 52 per cent respectively from 2007 to 2016.
• The results of the survey do not warrant any immediate adjustment to harvest quotas.
• The report is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/env

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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 05 18                             10:00 a.m.