This article discusses efforts to recover endangered Southern Mountain caribou in British Columbia, focusing on the Klinse-Za and Quintette subpopulations, which were nearing extinction due to human-caused habitat changes that increased predator populations. Researchers tested two recovery strategies: reducing wolf populations and maternity penning, where adult females and calves were protected during critical early stages. Wolf reduction alone stabilized the Quintette population and slightly improved Klinse-Za numbers, while combining both strategies significantly boosted Klinse-Za’s growth and more than doubled the population size. The study concludes that while these measures can increase caribou numbers in the short term, long-term habitat protection and restoration remain essential.

Demographic responses of nearly extirpated endangered mountain caribou to recovery actions in Central British Columbia

Author: R. Scott McNay, Clayton T. Lamb, Line Giguere, Sara H. Williams, Hans Martin, Glenn D. Sutherland, Mark Hebblewhite

Year: 2022

Media Type: Report