![]() Population trends are unknown, but based on numerous sources such as field studies, ATK, and trapper surveys, they are believed to have been stable over parts of the northern range for the last 3 generations (22.5 years). The sub-population in the NWT barren ground region may be decreasing while recent records in western Arctic islands suggest population increase, although it is unknown if these are resident or transient animals. Field studies since 2003 suggest Wolverines are more abundant in parts of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut than previously thought. There is concern that decline may be occurring in BC and parts of Alberta where Southern and Central Mountain Caribou, their primary prey, continue to decline and habitats are fragmented. The last verified record on Vancouver Island was in 1991 and it is likely that they have been extirpated. Wolverine observations continue to be reported in the range of the eastern sub-population (Québec and Labrador), but no observation has been verified since 1978. Wolverine have been extirpated (or likely extirpated) in much of southern and eastern Canada. The Canadian population size is unknown but likely > 10,000 adults. They are a valuable furbearer in the fur trade, and many furs that do not enter the fur trade are used locally, especially in the Arctic, where its frost-resistant fur is used for parka trim.Ĭonfidence regarding population size and trend is debated because most population data are derived from harvest records and the proportion of unreported harvest varies across their range. Wolverines may indicate ecosystem health, given their dependence on extensive connected ecosystems that support ungulates and large carnivores which create opportunities for scavenging. A single designatable unit is recognized for the Canadian population. Further studies are required to determine if the Vancouver Island population is a separate subspecies, G. Adult males weigh 13 to 18 kg and adult females weigh 7.5 to 12.5 kg.Ī single subspecies, Gulo gulo luscus, ranges across most of Canada. The skull structure is robust, allowing it to crush and consume bones and frozen carcasses. They have long, glossy coarse fur, which varies from brown to black, often with a pale facial mask and stripes running laterally from the shoulders, crossing just above the tail. Wolverines are a stocky, medium-sized carnivore and the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family. In May 2014, the Eastern and Western populations were considered as a single unit across the Canadian range and was designated Special Concern. The original designation was de-activated. Split into two populations in April 1989 (Western and Eastern populations). ![]() The species was considered a single unit and designated Special Concern in April 1982. Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador The species has a low reproductive rate, is sensitive to human disturbance, and requires vast secure areas to maintain viable populations. Climate change is likely impacting animals in the southern part of the range, and this impact is expected to increase northward. This species’ habitat is increasingly fragmented by industrial activity, especially in the southern part of its range, and increased motorized access increases harvest pressure. ![]() There is no evidence, however, of a decline in harvest over the last 3 generations. Most data are limited to harvest records, and harvest levels may be under-reported because many pelts used domestically are not included in official statistics. Population estimates are very limited, and trends are not known. The species may be extirpated from Vancouver Island. in British Columbia, and populations in a large part of the range (Quebec and Labrador) have not recovered. Although population increases appear to be occurring in portions of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba and Ontario, declines have been reported in the southern part of the range, e.g. This wide-ranging carnivore has an estimated Canadian population likely exceeding 10,000 mature individuals.
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