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Nunavut's approach to wildlife conservation uniquely combines traditional Inuit knowledge with modern science. Through co-management systems established in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Inuit play a central role in managing the territory's wildlife for future generations.
The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) is the main instrument of wildlife management in Nunavut. Established under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, it brings together Inuit traditional knowledge and Western science to make decisions about wildlife harvesting and conservation.
Over 12% of Nunavut is protected through national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and migratory bird sanctuaries.
Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs) in each community provide local input on wildlife management decisions.
Total Allowable Harvest levels are set based on population surveys and traditional knowledge to ensure sustainability.
Ongoing monitoring and research programs track wildlife populations and the impacts of climate change.
Canada's northernmost park, protecting High Arctic ecosystems including Peary caribou and muskoxen.
37,775 km²Home to large seabird colonies, narwhals, and spectacular fjord landscapes.
22,200 km²Dramatic granite peaks and the Penny Ice Cap, with diverse Arctic wildlife.
19,089 km²Protects important caribou calving grounds and polar bear denning sites.
20,500 km²Critical habitat for the endangered Peary caribou population.
11,008 km²Canada's largest protected area, safeguarding critical marine ecosystems.
109,000 km²The Arctic is warming at nearly four times the global average. This affects sea ice extent, alters migration patterns, changes predator-prey relationships, and threatens species dependent on ice-based ecosystems. Polar bears and ice-dependent seals face particular challenges as sea ice diminishes.
Increased shipping traffic through Arctic waters raises concerns about noise pollution affecting marine mammals, the risk of oil spills, and disturbance to wildlife. Careful management is needed to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Despite Nunavut's remoteness, persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals accumulate in Arctic food chains through long-range transport. These contaminants can affect wildlife health and have implications for communities that rely on traditional foods.
The vast size of Nunavut and its remote locations make wildlife population surveys challenging and expensive. New technologies including satellite tracking, drones, and genetic sampling are helping improve monitoring capabilities.
Visit our resources page for links to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, conservation organizations, and research institutions working to protect Arctic wildlife.
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