NWT Species Search

Distribution

Ecozones

Taiga Cordillera, Taiga Plains

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Distribution

150,500 km2 (SARC 2020).

Score:

F = 2

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H165

Number of Occurrences

6 populations are found in the Mackenzie Mountains and management shared with Yukon Government: Bonnet Plume, Redstone, Nahanni, Coal River (used to be called Smith River), La Biche, and Tay River.

Score:

B = 6

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Area of Occupancy

122,000 km2 (SARC 2020)

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Population

Population Size

Total 17,000 (adults): Bonnet Plume = 5,000 (1982), Redstone = more than 10,000 (2012), South Nahanni = 2,105 (2009), Coal River (used to be called Smith River) = 450 (2008), La Biche = 450 (1993) (R246; see old data on R140). Tay River: 3,758 (1991).

Score:

F = 1

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Density

Bonnet Plume = 26.9 per 100 sq.km (1982), Redstone = ?, Nahanni = 12.5 per 100 sq.km (1996), Coal River (used to be called Smith River) = ?, La Biche = ?

Trends

Unknown for some herds but seems stable. The largest herd, Redstone, had counts high in 2012 (R140, R246). No sign of decline based on hunter observation for Redstone and Bonnet Plume (H300) but no data for other herds.

Score:

U = u

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Threats

Disturbance from development and recreation (R246); increased access (H300); climate change (SARC 2020).

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CD =

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Intrinsic Vulnerability

Limited habitat changes, limited development in this ecozone.

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General Status Rank

Rank:

Sensitive

Status Rank Description:

Detailed assessment in 2020: higher disturbance levels from development and recreation are noted.

S Rank:

Decision Process Description:

Populations were part of woodland caribou in 2000 general status ranking, now separate ranking to follow COSEWIC splitting - information reviewed in 2004, status based on printed material (COSEWIC) and information from 1-3 experts. Reviewed in 2010, no change. Reviewed in 2015 based on COSEWIC report 2014, modified from secure to sensitive. Reviewed in 2020, no change, new detailed assessment for NWT.

Last Updated:

March 13, 2026

Status Designations

NWT - Assessment by Species at Risk Committee

NWT SARC Assessment:

Special Concern

2020

NWT - Species at Risk Legal Status

NWT Status Rank:

Special Concern

2021

Canada – Assessment by Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

COSEWIC Status:

Special Concern

The northern mountain population was designated Not at Risk in May 2000. This population was formerly designated as part of the “Western population” (now de-activated). Status re-examined and designated Special Concern in May 2002. Following the Designatable Unit report on caribou (COSEWIC, 2011), a new population structure was proposed and accepted by COSEWIC. This new northern mountain population is composed of all 36 subpopulations in the previous northern mountain population of caribou in addition to 9 subpopulations from the previous (2002) southern mountain population. The northern mountain population was designated Special Concern in May 2014. (COSEWIC. 2014. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Caribou Rangifer tarandus, northern mountain population, central mountain population and southern mountain population in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xxii + 113 pp.)

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