Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Weber, Diana
Keywords
Polar Bear, Endangered Species Act, Inuit
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Polar bears are the iconic symbol of the Arctic and the imminent changes to this ecosystem. As an ice-obligate marine mammal, polar bears are found circumpolar in 19 subpopulations, with 13 in Canada. Concerns about potential impacts climate change will have on the Arctic environment prompted listing polar bears under the United States Endangered Species Act. Previously, US sport hunters were able to participate in certain Canadian Inuit-led polar bear hunts in subpopulations having scientifically established quotas. After the ESA listing, US importation of polar bear trophies was prohibited and the US, in effect, surrendered its ability to influence which subpopulations are hunted by US citizens. This listing did not affect quotas in Nunavut, Canada so the number of bears taken each year is the same, regardless if US sport hunters are involved. Without income from the sport hunt, the Inuit have less flexibility to comply with polar bear conservation measures. Current earnings from a single sport hunt are equivalent to at least ten times the number of bears taken for their pelts, the latter scenario drastically increasing the potential loss of bears. International polar bear management, including Canadian sport hunts, has been considered one of the most effective conservation programs for a large carnivore. However, the early stages of the ESA listing indicate it may have done the opposite of its desired intent to strengthen polar bear conservation. Here, I investigate if sport hunts in Nunavut contribute to polar bear conservation and implications for this apex predator.
Recommended Citation
Mandler, Tait, "Polar Bear Sport Hunting in Nunavut, Canada Perspectives on Polar Bear Conservation and the Endangered Species Act" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4638.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4638
Rights
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