which also makes them extremely fragile and vulnerable to the activities of man. Thus, as industry has filtered into the Canadian north there has been much concern over the conservation of the barren plains caribou and the management of this vital renewable resource that is a central part of native culture and lifestyle. In addition, there has been debate over the extent to which several industrial developments are affecting the populations of these caribou, and their migration patterns in relation to where local populations have settled.
             Caribou – Description and Life Cycle
             Although the caribou Rangifer tarandus is one of Canada's most widely distributed large mammals, most southern Canadians only know it as the animal on the 25-cent quarter. The caribou is most familiar to residents of north Canada since it is an essential economic resource and a common food staple in their everyday diet. The name caribou originates from the Micmac name for caribou, "xalibu", and the English translation is most likely confusing in the pronounciation of this original word. The caribou is a medium-sized member of the deer family, Cervidae, which includes, among others, the moose, elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. Caribou are unique in that both the males and females possess antlers, and they are closely related to the wild reindeer found in northern European regions such as Norway.
             The caribou is well adapted to its northern environment, with a low, stocky body and a thick, long winter coat that provides excellent insulation. This thick but surprisingly light coat is very valuable to native hunters of the caribou, who use it for warmth during the cold winter months. The sharp edges of the caribou hooves provide a good grip on ice or smooth rock surfaces, as well as for efficiently digging in the snow for lichens and other hidden food sources. Lichens are the primary food source for the caribou, which can be located beneath the ...