Cape Bathurst Herd

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Barren-ground caribou that occupy the area of northern NWT and western Nunavut, are considered to part of the Bluenose caribou herd. Their population numbers remained relatively low during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. In the mid 1980’s, herd numbers began increasing steadily and in 1992, when the last survey was done on the Bluenose population as one herd, their population was estimated to be approximately 122,000 caribou.

Analyses of distribution information documented during surveys done between 1966 and 1993 using a computerized geographic information system (GIS) indicated that there were three distinct calving and two rutting areas within the Bluenose range.

The results of satellite tracking and genetic studies completed between 1996 and 2003 confirmed the hypothesis that there are three distinct herds that use different seasonal ranges (calving and especially rutting). These genetically distinct herds are the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West and Bluenose-East herds, and as of the year 2000, have been censused as distinct herds.

In 2005, a population survey of the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose West and Bluenose East barren-ground caribou herds showed populations had declined significantly since the 2000 estimates.

The Cape Bathurst herd was first censused as a distinct herd in 2000. A photocensus was completed in early July 2000, however due to cool windy weather, the herd did not aggregate very well. As a result the population estimate of 10, 013 obtained for 2000 should be considered a minimum. Data obtained during photocensus surveys completed on the “Bluenose” herd in 1987, 1998, and 2000 were re-analyzed to estimate population trends.

Another photocensus was conducted during the summer of 2005. The results of this census show the Cape Bathurst herd has declined to an estimate of 2,400 animals. A photocensus survey, completed in July, 2006, showed that the Cape Bathurst Herd had declined further to an estimated 1,800 animals.

Calving ground surveys were done to estimate productivity. In 2002 and 2003 cow calf ratios in late June were 32 and 47 calves per 100 cows, respectively. The cow calf ratios appear to have increased during recent years.
 

Year	Population Estimate (non calf)	Range (95% CI)
1987	12,512	9,012 - 16, 020
1992	19,278	13,881 - 24,675
2000	11,089	9,333 - 12,845
2005	2,434	2,178 - 2,691
2006	1,821	1,672 - 1,971
2009	1,934	1,585 - 2,283

Harvest Levels

The majority of the Bluenose harvest is carried out by the residents of Kugluktuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Ft. Good Hope and Paulatuk. Residents of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Aklavik also harvest from the Bluenose herd when they cannot access the Porcupine herd.

In response to decreasing herd numbers, the co-management boards and Government of the Northwest Territories are working together to implement measures to conserve the herds. Currently the harvest of the Bluenose herds is restricted to subsistence harvesters for the Wildlife Management Areas S/BC/01 and S/BC/03 as of September 15, 2006.