Caribou have always been central to life in Eeyou Istchee. They are part of our food systems, our stories, and as hunters and trappers, we are responsible for them.
For generations, Eeyouch/Eenouch have followed the movements of caribou, learned their habits, and respected the role they play on the land. Caribou populations are declining not just in Eeyou Istchee, but across the boreal forest, mountains, and tundra landscape. Caribou are not all the same. Different herds of woodland and migratory caribou have different behaviours, use different areas of the land, and face different pressures.
Woodland caribou usually stay in the same area year-round. They move relatively short distances between feeding, calving, and wintering areas. They prefer large, continuous mature coniferous forest strands, and wetlands that provide both food and protection from predators. Because they remain in the same landscapes year-round, woodland caribou are particularly sensitive to habitat disturbance caused by forestry, roads, mining, hydroelectric development, and wildfires. Habitat fragmentation increases predator access and can reduce their survival.
The Caniapiscau herd occupies the northeastern portion of Eeyou Istchee. Recent surveys estimate the population at approximately 1,477 animals (2022 data).
Population trend: Growing. Between 2019 and 2024, the herd is estimated to have increased by 56%, making it one of the few woodland caribou populations currently showing sustained growth.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance rate is of 17%, with most disturbance resulting from wildfires rather than forestry, as the herd’s range lies outside the commercial forestry zone. Primary threats also include mining and energy development, hunting, and predation.
Based on MELCCFP data.
The Témiscamie herd is the largest woodland caribou herds in Eeyou Istchee, with an estimated 2,511 animals (2019-2024 data).
Population trend: Declining. Based on calf survival and recruitment data, the herd is estimated to have declined by approximately 46% between 2014 and 2024, representing an average annual decline of about 6%.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance is high, with 50% of the herd’s habitat showing signs of distrubance. Most disturbance is linked to forestry activities, road development, and increased predation associated with those disturbances.
Based on MELCCFP data.
The Assinica herd is currently estimated at 949 animals (2023 data).
Population trend: Growing. Surveys and demographic data indicate the herd increased by approximately 24–32% between 2013 and 2023.
Habitat & threats: The Assinica herd occupies one of the most heavily disturbed ranges in Eeyou Istchee, with a disturbance rate of 65%. Most disturbances are the result of forestry activities. Large undisturbed areas and protected lands are believed to support the herd’s resilience.
Based on MELCCFP data.
The Nottaway herd is one of the smallest woodland caribou herds in Eeyou Istchee, with an estimated 282 animals (2022 data).
Population trend: Polupation trending downward, with an estimated rate of decline somewhere between 8% and 28% between 2016 and 2022.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance rate of 24%, with most disturbance linked to forestry activities. Primary threats also include road development, and increased predation associated with disturbance.
Based on MELCCFP data.
The Detour herd is estimated at approximately 446 animals (2022 data).
Population trend: Uncertain, though recent monitoring suggests the herd may be in decline.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance rate is 33%, with most disturbance linked to forestry activities. Primary threats also include road development, and increased predation associated with disturbance.
Based on MELCCFP data.
Several groups of caribou occupy the northern edge of the species’ range in Eeyou Istchee. It remains uncertain whether observed caribou groups form a distinct population in the James Bay sector, but many Eeyouch have talked about caribou in this part of Eeyou Istchee.
Population trend: Unknown. A survey in 2020 noted 166 in the sector, but there is currently insufficient data to determine a long-term trend.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance rate is of 47% in the sector, but most disturbance is a result of wildfires rather than forestry (as the area is outside the commercial forestry zone). Primary threats also include mining and energy development, hunting, and increased predation associated with disturbance.
Based on MELCCFP data.
The Val-d’Or population once occupied the southernmost portion of Eeyou Istchee. It is now currently in an extremely precarious state, with only a small number of animals remaining. The remaining population has been held in a protected enclosure since 2020 to reduce predation risk and prevent disappearance.
Population status: Critical. The captive population currently includes approximately 7 caribou. Low population size and limited recruitment remain major challenges.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance rate is at 82%, mainly due to forestry and mining activities. Habitat restoration and long-term recovery measures are required before the population can return to the wild. In captivity, the primary risks include unexpected catastrophic events that could affect the entire herd.
Migratory caribou travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres every year between their wintering grounds in the boreal forest and their calving grounds in the tundra. These migrations allow them to follow seasonal food availability while reducing predation during calving. The Leaf River herd, which roams in Eeyou Istchee during the winter, completes an annual migration of approximately 1,000 km— one of the longest terrestrial migrations in North America!
The Leaf River herd is the only migratory caribou herd that roams in Eeyou Istchee. Each year, the herd moves from its summer range in northern Nunavik to the northern part of Eeyou Istchee to spend the winter.
Population trend: Declining. The most recent classification has estimated the herd at approximately 136,000 animals. The Leaf River herd has experienced significant declines in recent decades, historically numbering more than 600,000 animals.
Habitat & threats: Habitat disturbance rate within their range is of 20%, with pressures including mining, road development, climate change, predation, and harvest.
Based on MELCCFP data.
The biggest threats to caribou herds in Eeyou Istchee include habitat loss and alteration through development, predation, and harvesting by humans. Guided by traditional knowledge and collaborative science, we hope to return to healthy caribou populations capable of sustaining traditional hunting for Cree communities.
Cree Nation Government’s Wildlife Unit is working closely with the Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) to support ongoing research and conservation initiatives across Eeyou Istchee. Here are some of our ongoing projects.
Woodland caribou husbandry feasibility study:
In collaboration with Cree Nation of Mistissini, we are conducting a feasibility study to assess whether caribou husbandry could be a potential conservation tool in Eeyou Istchee. The project integrates Cree Knowledge and scientific expertise to evaluate options, challenges, and next steps.
Knowledge gathering – Migratory caribou Workshop:
We are organizing a Migratory caribou knowledge Workshop (Fall 2026) in Whapmagoostui. This event will be held to gather and document Cree knowledge of Migratory caribou to help ensure it is preserved for future generations. Through conversations with Elders, tallymen, harvesters, women, and youth, the project will support the sharing of knowledge and opportunities for youth learning to guide future Cree caribou management.
James Bay coastal islands genetic analysis:
An ongoing study is exploring how caribou use the coastal islands of James Bay, using genetic analysis and camera trap data. The results will help to better understand use of James Bay coastal islands by caribou. This project builds on Cree observations that when caribou disappear, they often go into the water, which aligns with recent documentation of island use.
Following years of a voluntary moratorium on woodland caribou harvesting, the Cree Nation has called for a regulated harvest moratorium on all caribou populations in Eeyou Istchee in 2026. This temporary measure was established in response to urgent concerns regarding population declines. It’s well understood that protecting large areas of intact habitat, reducing habitat fragmentation, supporting collaborative monitoring, and integrating Cree traditional knowledge with scientific research all play important roles in ensuring healthy caribou populations for future generations.
