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George River Caribou numbers up, Inuit leaders urge caution

The Nunatsiavut government in Labrador is asking its people to continue to abide by the hunting ban on the George River caribou and calling on other groups in Labrador to do the same, as the provincial government released census data on the threatene
caribou
A census completed this summer shows an increase in the Goerge River caribou in Labrador for the first time in 25 years.

The Nunatsiavut government in Labrador is asking its people to continue to abide by the hunting ban on the George River caribou and calling on other groups in Labrador to do the same, as the provincial government released census data on the threatened herd on Thursday showing increased numbers for the first time in 25 years.

Nunatsiavut’s Lands and Natural Resources Minister Greg Flowers said any harvesting at this point will significantly affect the recovery of the herd and it could still be many more years before a sustained harvest can take place.

“This is encouraging news, but we must continue to maintain a cautious approach when it comes to harvesting,” Flowers said. “The provincial hunting ban, which was implemented in 2013, remains in effect, and we encourage Labrador Inuit to continue adhering to that ban.”

The census, carried out this summer by wildlife officials, shows an estimated population of 8,100, up from the 5,500 estimated in 2018. There is also a significant increase in calves, with a healthy calf/female ratio of 69 calves per 100 females.

A news release from the province says maintaining the hunting ban and stewardship are essential at this point in the caribou population cycle.

“While the results from this year’s census are encouraging, it is much too early to suggest any sustained recovery of the herd is underway,” Elvis Loveless, minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, stated in the release. “To work towards the shared goal of the long-term sustainability of the herd, we must all remain steadfast in our approach to recovery and ensure impending management decisions continue to recognize the indisputable fact the herd remains in a critically vulnerable and fragile state.” 

The current number of the herd is approximately one per cent of the historic high of more than 750,000 caribou.