While large herbivores and their predators need expansive interconnected landscapes to thrive, these areas are frequently in the spot light for development (such as oil and gas, or mining) and transportation corridors (such as roads and pipelines). Furthermore, in a rapidly changing climate, as we are experiencing now, the importance of these expansive areas is further emphasized as animals adapt to the new conditions.

WCS is assessing what types of landscape are needed to support the iconic species of the Arctic and how climate change or development activity are affecting the value and connectivity of key habitats. Our holistic focus on the ecology of both musk oxen and wolverines requires us to assess many aspects of their ecosystem from small mammals (as prey for wolverines) to bears and wolves (as predators of musk oxen), to the people who live with and are sustained by these species. Furthermore, working across such a large area allows for comparative work among different sub-populations as we seek to understand mechanisms of impacts.

July 2nd, 2024

to assess wildlife populations

impacts of change on Indigenous ways of life

coastal lagoon and barrier island ecosystems

arctic shorebirds and their migratory habitats

local stewardship and youth engagement

our home in the Arctic

July 2^nd, 2024