Parks Canada, in collaboration with partners, is working to protect and recover caribou in Jasper National Park
The number of caribou in the Tonquin and Brazeau herds is very low. Although their population has stabilized since 2015 and is no longer in a steep decline, their ongoing survival is precarious and could change quickly. When caribou herds get too small, the herds become more vulnerable to natural threats such as predators, disease, and accidents.
Parks Canada is currently assessing comments received from Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the public on a proposed conservation breeding strategy to rebuild small caribou herds in Jasper National Park. A final decision on proceeding with the caribou conservation breeding proposal is expected in 2022.
Seasonal closures in winter caribou habitat will remain in place whether or not the proposed conservation breeding program moves forward. While no new long-term closures related to caribou conservation are planned, there may be occasional, temporary or short-term closures.
For more information about Parks Canada’s conservation breeding proposal, visit our website at parkscanada.gc.ca/caribou-jasper.