Researchers at the University of Calgary are launching a critical investigation into one of Alberta's most pressing wildlife conservation challenges: how genetic inbreeding is driving caribou populations toward extinction across Western Canada.
A groundbreaking year-long study, conducted in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, analyzed the genetic makeup of 759 caribou across 45 separate populations in the Rocky Mountain region. The findings could reshape how wildlife managers protect these iconic animals that hold deep cultural and economic significance for Indigenous communities and Albertans alike.
The Inbreeding Crisis
Charlotte Bourbon, a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary's Veterinary School of Medicine, led the genomic research that examined DNA samples from across the region. Her work reveals a troubling pattern: as populations shrink and become isolated, caribou are increasingly breeding with close relatives—a process that weakens genetic diversity and threatens survival rates.
"Inbreeding impacts caribou's ability to survive, reproduce, and adapt evolutionarily," Bourbon explained. "When populations get smaller and more isolated, these genetic problems compound quickly."
Why Woodland Caribou Are Uniquely Vulnerable
Western Canada's woodland caribou face challenges unlike other North American ungulates. Unlike their migratory cousins that roam vast territories, woodland caribou remain relatively sedentary—they don't migrate long distances and have limited elevation movement patterns.
This territorial loyalty, while part of their natural behaviour, has become a liability in a rapidly changing landscape. "Because they don't move around much, woodland caribou are extremely sensitive to habitat change and deterioration," Bourbon noted. "When their environment is damaged, they can't simply relocate to find better conditions."
Fragmented forests, industrial development, and climate impacts have carved up caribou ranges into increasingly isolated pockets—creating genetic bottlenecks that threaten population viability.
A Species of Deep Importance
Caribou hold irreplaceable cultural and economic value for Western Canadian communities. Indigenous nations have harvested and coexisted with caribou for millennia. The animals also draw wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists to Alberta and B.C., supporting regional economies.
The research represents a critical step toward evidence-based conservation strategies. By understanding the genetic health of each population, wildlife managers can make informed decisions about habitat protection, population management, and potential intervention strategies.
The study's findings are expected to guide policy decisions across Alberta and British Columbia as governments work to prevent further caribou decline.
This story was adapted from reporting by Chad Twair in the Calgary Herald.