First ever caribou count on Baffin Island begins (CBC News, 16
March 2012) -- A major project is about to begin to count
caribou on Baffin Island for the first time ever. Last minute
logistics are still being worked out in an Iqaluit hotel room
which is serving as a operations base. Baffin regional biologist
Debbie Jenkins is leading the survey. "So this really is going
to provide critical, fundamental, baseline information on this
population or populations,” Jenkins said. “We think there's
actually 3 different populations of barrengound caribou on the
island" Helicopters will fly at low levels over the entire
island, to try to get the most accurate count possible. The data
could determine conservation measures, or restrict development
in some areas. Local communities are involved with the survey in
the hope it helps their hunters. Noah Mosesee is the chair of
Pangnirtung's Hunters and Trappers organization. “We support the
survey and are looking forward to working together with DFO's
and wildlife department