Quebec Caribou Face Extinction Threat Despite New Funding

Quebec’s endangered caribou herds are declining despite a new C$25 million federal commitment over five years to support their recovery. The province’s woodland caribou population has fallen to about half its level a decade ago, while experts warn that 12 of 13 herds could face extinction within 20 years.

Conservationists say maternity pens, currently used to protect pregnant caribou and calves, cannot solve the underlying problem of habitat loss. Logging, mining and extensive forest roads have reduced suitable undisturbed habitat, while the province has yet to finalise a comprehensive caribou protection strategy.