Decline In Woodland Caribou Could Mean New Limits

Decline In Woodland Caribou Could Mean New Limits

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 14:38

 

 

Officials with Saskatchewan Environment continue to monitor the caribou population and there is concern about the species future.

 

An estimated 5,000 woodland caribou are found in the province and there is no licensed hunting season for them.

 

Saskatchewan Environment biologist Tim Trottier says it is possible that First Nations hunting for caribou could be limited in the future.

 

In that scenario, Trottier says there would be an extensive consultation process with First Nations and Metis groups to ensure they are well-informed and to decide what is the best course of action.

 

He says loss of habitat from forestry and road building is the main reason for the drop in caribou numbers.

 

Trottier says another concern is a brain parasite which is harmful to moose and caribou.

 

He says brainworm is found in white-tailed deer, but that species can usually live with it.

 

However, Trottier says the parasite could become a problem as white-tailed deer move north into caribou and moose habitat.

 

He notes some specimens were recently found in moose in Saskatchewan along the Manitoba border.