In 2015, the herd was estimated at about 18,000 animals. The herd started to increase in the late 1970s, and resumed its migration to the mainland in the late 1980s, increasing in numbers until the 1990s. A 50-60-year period of low densities and no sign of migration across the sea ice followed.

In the early 1900s, the herd was reported to be large, then a strong decline was likely precipitated by the introduction of firearms, combined with severe winters. Recognized for its unique migration pattern from Victoria Island across the sea ice to the mainland, observations have shown that its distribution has retracted and expanded since the beginning of the 20th century, in rough correspondence with population size. Reason for designation: This Arctic caribou population is endemic to Canada, occurring in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

Photograph by Kim Poole, Aurora Wildlife Research.ĬOSEWIC assessment summary Assessment summary – November 2017Ĭommon name: Caribou - Dolphin and Union population The bull, second from left, has shed his antlers. Également disponible en français sous le titre Ếvaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur la Coccinelle à bandes transverses ( Coccinella transversoguttata) au Canada.Ĭover illustration/photo: Dolphin and Union Caribou. This report was prepared under contract with Environment and Climate Change Canada and overseen by Graham Forbes, Co-chair of the COSEWIC Terrestrial Mammals Species Specialist Subcommittee. 124 pp.ĬOSEWIC would like to acknowledge Lee Harding (SciWrite Environmental Sciences Ltd.) for writing the draft status report on the Caribou ( Rangifer tarandus), Dolphin and Union population in Canada, and Justina Ray for writing the revised provisional report. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Update COSEWIC status report on the Peary caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi in Canada. COSEWIC status report on the Peary caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi in Canada. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Peary caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi and the barren-ground caribou Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus (Dolphin and Union population) in Canada. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Caribou, Dolphin and Union population, Rangifer tarandus,in Canada. This report may be cited as follows:ĬOSEWIC. COSEWIC status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk.

The island animal crossing dolphin