Whitehorse, YT – Recent surveys conducted by the Yukon Government’s Department of Environment show sharp declines in the culturally significant Southwestern Thinhorn Sheep populations across five management areas since their last survey in 2016.
There were five separate sheep populations measured in Brooks Arm, Ruby Range, Donjek, Nutzotin and Flat Top with the declines noted in each area since the 2015-2016 survey. The declines range from 16 percent in Ruby Range to 64 percent in Donjek. There are hunting regulations currently in place to limit hunting of the sheep but according to John Ryder, Manager of Habitat with the Department of Environment’s Fish and Wildlife branch, environmental pressures in their habitats have contributed to the sharp decline.
“What we’re looking at right now is variable weather in the past 3 to 5 years, particularly high snowpack in the Yukon seems to be one of the factors that we think is leading to the decline,” said Ryder. “We’ve also had a fair bit of icing events on the ground where it’s difficult for animals to move and get at forage, and so those seem to be the climate driven factors that are associated with climate change… It’s taken a bit of a toll on sheep, and makes it difficult for sheep to carve out a living in these environments.”
Discussions are happening between local Yukon First Nations, Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board and Renewable Resource Councils to address the declines. Feedback is also being gathered from affected outfitters and stakeholder groups.
Although hunting is not considered a major factor in the population drop the government is looking at potential solutions through Wildlife Act permits, Permit Hunt Authorizations and voluntary or emergency closures. Any changes regarding conservation actions will be made public ahead of the 2024 hunting season.
