Introduction

This document provides a brief overview of the plight of the Telkwa Caribou Herd and the recovery program that aided this dwindling population. The entire process was a concerted effort between government biologists, community members and various stakeholders. The process has not been an easy one, perhaps even a controversial one. However, the status of the Telkwa Caribou Herd today speaks for itself.

The Telkwa Caribou Herd Recovery Plan was initiated when it became apparent that the Telkwa Mountain Caribou Herd was on the verge of extirpation. By 1997 the population had reached a low of only 8 animals. The recovery plan, directed by Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, was intended to: augment the existing population with transplants from another nearby herd, monitor individuals with the use of radio collars, design habitat protection measures and conduct public consultation with all stakeholders in the Bulkley valley in order to support the recovery program.

A total of 32 caribou were relocated to the Telkwa Mountains during 1997 - 1999, to help recover the herd. The animals were captured from the Sustut/Chase herd, located about 150 km north of Smithers. Caribou were immobilized, fitted with ear tags and radio collars and transported by helicopter to the Telkwa Mountains. There were four bulls, one immature cow and the rest were adult cows. Telemetry locations of radio collared caribou, predominantly females, have been used to determine habitat characteristics selected by the Telkwa caribou from November 1997 to April 2000. Today the herd has once again reached a healthy level with over 75 animals inhabiting the high elevation plateaus around Smithers and Houston of northwestern BC.

To date the Recovery Program is a success, nevertheless, calf mortality by predators, disturbance due to back country recreation and habitat alteration as a result of industrial activity are factors that still effect the future and longevity of the herd. Land use plans and management strategies aim to reach a balance that will minimize the impact on the Telkwa Caribou Herd while also providing recreational opportunities to the public and maintaining economic opportunities for other stakeholders. Over the long term the goal is to re-establish a genetically viable, self sustaining caribou population in the Telkwa Mountains.

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