The woodland caribou is a majestic species of deer found in Canada`s boreal forest. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as the presence of predators, have led to a decline in the woodland caribou population in Alberta. In response, the government of Alberta, along with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders, developed an agreement for the conservation and recovery of the woodland caribou in the province.
The agreement, which is part of Alberta`s Caribou Range Plan, was signed in February 2021. Its aim is to protect and recover the woodland caribou population in the province`s northeast and northwest regions, which are home to some of the last remaining herds in Alberta. The agreement is based on scientific research and the traditional knowledge of Indigenous communities, and it outlines a number of strategies for conserving and recovering the woodland caribou.
One of the key elements of the agreement is habitat restoration. Habitat loss and fragmentation have been major drivers of the decline in the woodland caribou population, so the agreement calls for the restoration of degraded or disturbed habitats. This will involve activities like reforestation, prescribed burning, and the removal of roads and other infrastructure that impede caribou movements.
Another important strategy is the control of predator populations. Predators like wolves and bears have thrived in areas where human activity has increased, and they have preyed on caribou populations. The agreement will address this issue through the use of predator control measures like trapping and hunting.
The agreement also recognizes the importance of working with Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities have traditional knowledge and practices that can inform caribou conservation and recovery efforts. The agreement will involve working closely with Indigenous communities to integrate traditional knowledge and practices into management plans.
The agreement for the conservation and recovery of the woodland caribou in Alberta is an important step forward in protecting this iconic species. By combining scientific research and traditional knowledge, and by involving Indigenous communities and other stakeholders, the agreement provides a comprehensive and collaborative approach to caribou conservation and recovery in the province. Hopefully, this agreement will be a model for other regions and species facing similar challenges.