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Environment and Conservation May 2, 2008 Phase One of the Caribou Survey of Northern Herds Completed The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced the results of phase one of the census for caribou populations found on the northern portion of the island, including the Gregory Plateau, Gros Morne, Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony, Hodges Hills and Hampton Downs herds. The population estimate is approximately 10,400 caribou in the survey area, which encompasses all areas north of the Trans-Canada Highway from Corner Brook to Halls Bay and a portion of the area north of Grand Falls-Windsor east to the Bay of Exploits. "It is important that we understand the current status of the various herds to ensure that the most appropriate management plans are implemented for our caribou populations," said Minister Johnson. "Accurate and timely population estimates for caribou are critical to our five-year caribou strategy. Caribou are an important resource to the people of this province from a recreational, social and economic point of view. This information is vital in helping us sustain this resource." In early March, a statistically significant number of caribou from these herds were marked using a highly-visible red paint, and the census began two weeks following the last day of marking. The relative ratio of marked animals to unmarked animals was then used to calculate the total population estimate for the area for all herds, including females, males and yearling caribou. A follow-up census will be conducted in June, when caribou traditionally return to their calving areas, and will confirm the populations of individual herds on this section of the island and allow for appropriate herd specific management planning. Budget 2008 allocated $3.3 million as part of the $15.3 million, five-year scientific and management strategy for the island woodland caribou populations. The strategy builds upon earlier efforts to better understand and mitigate the current decline in woodland caribou numbers of 40-60 per cent for most herds on the island portion of the province, as well as the role of predators in this decline. -30- Media contact: 2008 05 02 9:55 a.m. |
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