Companion Reports to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan


The Companion Reports to the Yukon North Slope Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan give a detailed look at the evidence that underpins the Plan. This evidence includes over a decade of studies and draws from Inuvialuit knowledge and science. The Companion Reports summarize this body of knowledge and provide additional information to support the implementation of the Plan's Objectives, Strategies and Priorities.

There are fourteen Companion Reports. Each Report focuses on a select topic of interest or key wildlife species featured in the Plan. The wildlife species selected are recognized for their cultural or economic importance, similar habitat needs to other species, and essential role in the Yukon North Slope ecosystem. The Companion Reports feature additional maps, detailed information, highlights from key studies, and links to collaborative efforts that are already in place to support the health of the Yukon North Slope.

Read the Companion Reports:



1. Traditional Use

This report details past and present Inuvialuit traditional use of the Yukon North Slope. "Pretty much all this area where we go is a special place to us...."  - Participant, YNS Inuvialuit Traditional Use Study, 2018.

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CR Chapter 1 cover photo

2. Climate Change

An underlying principle in the Yukon North Slope Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan is that we consider climate change effects on all aspects of wildlife conservation, traditional use, and management planning.

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CR Chapter 2 cover

3. Contaminants / Halumailir̂uq

The Yukon North Slope environment is exposed to contaminants, many of which originated in more populated areas. Monitoring contaminants is an important part of conserving the Yukon North Slope.

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CR Chapter 3 cover

4. Aullaviat / Aunguniarvik

Aullaviat/Aunguniarvik means ‘where people and animals travel’ and ‘where people harvest’. This report describes the many conservation values of Aullaviat/Aunguniarvik.

Read the report:CR Chapter 4 cover

5. Caribou / Tuktu

“…If you treat them good, they’ll last you a lifetime. You look after the caribou. “ - Participant, Aklavik Local and Traditional Knowledge about Porcupine Caribou, 2009. This report highlights the importance of tuktu on the Yukon North Slope.

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CR Chapter 5 cover

6. Moose/Tuttuvak

Moose use the coastal wetlands, river valleys, riparian areas of the Yukon North Slope. They also migrate across this landscape. Inuvialuit use moose to make makłak, moccasins, and jackets.

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CR Chapter 6 cover

7. Grizzly Bear / Akłaq

Grizzly bears need lots of space to roam and different habitat types, both of which the Yukon North Slope provides. Places where grizzly bears den are especially important to conserve.

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CR Chapter 7 cover

8. Polar Bear / Nanuq

Nearshore and den habitat on the Yukon North Slope is important for polar bears. Inuvialuit work together with partners in Alaska and the Northwest Territories to conserve nanu.

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CR Chapter 8 cover

9. Dolly Varden / Iqaluqpig

Dolly Varden are also known as 'char'. The Yukon North Slope is home to Dolly Varden spawning, overwintering, and migration habitat. The Big Fish River and Rat River are important places to fish for char.

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CR Chapter 9 cover

10. Broad Whitefish / Anaarlirq

Broad whitefish use the brackish waters close to the coast of the Yukon North Slope. They also use lakes and creeks along the coastal plain.

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CR Chapter 10 cover

11. Geese

This report features several geese species, including: snow goose (kanuq), yellowlegs (nigliq), brant (nirglingaq), and Canada goose (ulugullik).

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CR Chapter 11 Cover

12. Furbearers

There are many furbearers on the Yukon North Slope, from carnivores (e.g. wolf) to herbivores (e.g. beaver). Furbearers are a diverse group and they need a range of different landscape types.

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CR Chapter 12 cover

13. Sheep / Imnaiq

Dall's Sheep (Imnaiq) are harvested by Inuvialuit in the Northern Richardson Mountains. Dall's Sheep need healthy mountain ecosystems they can access year-round to meet their needs.

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CR Chapter 13 cover

14. Muskox / Umingmak

Muskox (Umingmak) are found across the Yukon North Slope. They need diverse landscapes with access to lowlands and hills with moist vegetation.

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CR Chapter 14 cover

15. Combined Companion Reports

This version combines all fourteen companion reports into one document. You can read in depth about all Plan's the focal species and key topics in one place.

Read the combined Companion Reports:


All Companion Report Covers