Protecting habitat is critical to saving boreal caribou

Scientists have been tracking the decline of boreal caribou in Canada for decades. Researchers have spent years studying the impacts of forestry and other industrial development on this elusive animal. The expectation is policy-makers will manage human impacts in caribou habitat on the basis of science.

Indeed, evidence-based policymaking is the cornerstone of sound wildlife management.

So, it is heartbreaking to see caribou endure prolonged political inaction despite overwhelming scientific evidence that decisive action is needed to protect the at-risk species and its habitat.

This year alone, the Quebec government announced it will not be taking action to recover the severely threatened Val-d’Or caribou herd, the Government of Alberta gave the federal government notice that it will suspend portions of its caribou protection plan without additional federal money, and the Government of Ontario extended the forestry industry’s regulatory exemption from the Endangered Species Act.

From killing wolves to airlifting caribou to placing pregnant female caribou in pens, governments are using precious time and resources on Band-Aid solutions, while neglecting the need to protect caribou’s critical habitat.

Science has contributed to a better understanding of the vulnerability of caribou to industrial development and there is strong evidence indicating what govern- ments must do to stem further population declines. At the same time, campaigns of denial promoted by some sectors of industry have unfortunately intensified in the public sphere.

In 2015, we started tracking the use (and abuse) of science within the public sphere on boreal caribou decline. The findings of our investigation were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Wildlife Society Bulletin, this week.

We found a troubling pattern. Opinions being disseminated by several industry associations, politicians and forest companies, particularly in their communications to forestry-dependent communities, appeared to be using the same misinformation tactics used in climate change denial.

If we want to resolve this political impasse, we need to start with facts. Scientific research has shown, time and again, clear, consistent, and convergent results across the country: increases in habitat disturbance result in the greater likelihood of population decline and location extirpation of caribou.

We have no doubt that, as with climate change, the opportunity to address the problem is now.

Dr. Faisal Moola, PhD is an associate professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics at the University of Guelph and a wildlife policy researcher with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Dr. Julee Boan, PhD manages Ontario Nature’s Boreal Program. Dr. Jay Malcolm, PhD is a professor in the faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto.