02/11/2026
The size of the Porcupine Caribou herd has declined since 2017. A photocensus in 2025 estimated the herd size at a midpoint of 143,000 caribou.
This decline in numbers is supported by evidence gathered in the Yukon, Alaska, and the Northwest Territories. Our information on the herd comes from many indicators which are reported by biologists, technical advisors, hunters, and on-the-land observers. These indicators are incorporated into computer-based population models, which also predicted this significant decline in the herd.
The Porcupine Caribou Management Board and its Parties were aware of the decline as it happened. We will continue to collaborate on monitoring and stewardship, following the Harvest Management Plan and Porcupine Caribou Management Agreement.
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For more information on the herd’s status and how it was determined, read our press release in our post from January 9th! And check out the Porcupine Caribou Technical Summary here: https://pcmb.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PCH_2pager_2026_WEB.pdf.
Photo credit: Peter Mather.
