LAST HOPE: Caribou at Risk
- Josh DeLeenheer
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Caribou are one of Canada’s most iconic animals, but many of their populations are facing serious decline and are now considered at risk.
In Canada, caribou inhabit a wide range of ecosystems including the Arctic tundra, boreal forests, and mountainous regions.
There are various types of caribou in the country, which are referred to as “designated units.” These include boreal woodland caribou, barren-ground caribou, mountain caribou, and Peary caribou.
Each unit has adapted to specific migration patterns and environments. While they can live 10 to 15 years in the wild, populations are now threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change.
The designated units engage provincial data. B.C.’s Itcha-Ilgachuz herd was numbered at roughly 551 members in 2024. In Québec, the Gaspésie population counted just 11 wild individuals, and 30 when including those in captivity.
The conservation status of caribou varies by population, but many are officially listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act. For example, Boreal woodland caribou are classified as threatened, while some mountain caribou populations are considered endangered.
Peary caribou that live in the Arctic are also listed as endangered due to their small population size and vulnerability to environmental changes.
In addition to the factors mentioned previously, caribou are also threatened by industrial activities such as logging, mining, oil and gas development and road construction. These factors have significantly altered caribou habitat, particularly in the boreal forest.
Such disturbances reduce the amount of suitable habitat available and makes it easier for predators like wolves to access caribou ranges. Calves especially face higher rates of predation.
Climate change is another major factor contributing to caribou declines. Warmer temperatures affect snow and ice conditions, making it harder for caribou to travel and find food.
Freeze-thaw cycles can create ice layers over vegetation, preventing caribou from reaching the lichen they depend on during winter. In the Arctic, climate change also increases the frequency of extreme weather events, which may cause trouble for large populations.
Conservation efforts are underway across Canada to protect and recover caribou populations. These include habitat protection, land-use planning, predator management, captive breeding and herd supplementation in certain scenarios.
An example of habitat restoration efforts include seismic line reclamation in Alberta, which has improved habitat connectivity and reduced predator access in order to support woodland populations.
Caribou are more than just wildlife, they are a symbol of Canada’s northern identity and ecological balance. Their decline serves as a warning about the broader impacts of human activity and climate change.
Protecting caribou means protecting the landscapes they depend on, ultimately safeguarding Canada’s natural heritage.
For more information, you can read our guide on caribou that details important information on the state of herds in Canada today, the threats they face and the status of their declining populations.
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