The Caribou Crisis

Sarah Ogletree

9/30/2010

7:13 PM

Caribou herds in the Arctic are declining at a rapid rate, not only noticed by experts, but also by the numerous indigenous peoples who rely on them for food and for clothing. This is a problem of endangered culture (ex. the Inuits, Eskimos, etc) but it is also a problem of a possible endangered species. Out of the 43 major herds that scientists have studied in the last decade worldwide, 34 are in decline. Caribou numbers have plunged 57% from their historical peaks! Some herds in particular have suffered more than others, for example, the Barhurst herd in Canada’s central Arctic. In a short 24 years, the herd has fallen from 472,000 to 32,000. That’s a decline of 93%.

Scientists say the cause of the global decline is the result of the rapidly rising temperatures in the Arctic which are “throwing caribou out of sync with the environment in which they evolved.” For example, as the climate changes the Arctic spring comes earlier and earlier. So early in fact, that by the time calving season begins, the weeks of the lushest vegetation have already passed. Another issue is an increase in bugs, such as flies, and the migration of more southern animals into what was once strictly caribou land. Also, heavier and more intense ice storms keep caribou from being able to forage for food during the winter months. They can’t break through the ice, and many have succumbed to starvation. Other factors include the oil and gas industry, mining, logging, as well as hunting, though it’s not a major factor, it is further depleting the already struggling caribou herds.

Now, the caribou are facing yet another problem as highways are being built through their birthing grounds, underground (Uranium) mines are being proposed, and companies like ALCOA (leading Aluminum producer) want to industrialize areas within Caribou habitat. Through all of these things bring much needed jobs to the area, scientists and indigenous hunters worry activities such as these will seal the fate of the caribou. Anne Gunn (a former government biologist, now a scientific consultant), feels, unlike many, that the caribou can adapt to the changing climate. However, little is being done to protect caribou habitat, especially places such as birthing grounds. Gunn says, “For caribou it is all about ‘space’ — their perceptions of what space they need, including the space needed to distance themselves from us. Climate change and over-hunting are very serious factors that need to be addressed. But unless we give caribou the space they need, I’m afraid we’re going to see these declines continue.”

The vast decline of caribou is scary in that it is so large. With topics such as climate change, industrialization, and overall apathy presented towards the environment, the article is one that should draw attention. I agree with Anne Gunn that first and foremost the caribou’s habitat must be protected, but I also feel that as a global community we must be more sensitive to the consequences of our actions. The article itself did a good job of presenting both sides of the argument, and I thought it was great that it mentioned the proposed industrialization would bring much needed jobs. That was fair reporting, and they did it in a way that made the reader feel they were seeing both sides of the story, while still making the point that the caribou are in danger, and it’s a problem.

http://e360.yale.edu/feature/a_troubling_decline_in_the_caribou_herds_of_the_arctic_/2321/