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Four of the fifteen terrestrial ecozones of Canada
are found in Nunavut.
1. Northern Arctic
Most of the land in the Territory lies in the Northern Arctic, a non-mountainous
region of dark winters where snow can fall year round. The ground is covered
with snow from September until June, although total average annual precipitation
is under 200 centimetres. During the short summer, the sun shines almost 24 hours
a day and the bare landscape is strewn with colourful flowers. The peoples
of the Arctic have inhabited this region for over 5000 years. Sparsely
populated, the ecozones main economic activities remain hunting, trapping
and fishing.
2. Arctic Cordillera
The highest peaks are found in the Arctic Cordillera along the eastern
edge of the Territory. The summit is Barbeau Peak, on Ellesmere
Island, which reaches a height of 2616 metres. Characterized by
windswept vistas of ice and rock, this ecozone is largely devoid
of plants and animals. An exception is provided by pockets of tundra
meadow where ground-hugging shrubs and colourful flowers appear
during the brief summer. In contrast, there is a wealth of marine
life. The fjords and coastlines harbour populations of Bowhead Whale,
Narwhal Whale and Polar Bear. Ellesmere and Auyuittuq national parks
were established to protect these spectacular landscapes for future
generations. This is the most sparsely populated ecozone in Canada.
3. Southern Arctic
The Southern Arctic is characterized by its many lakes, which are surrounded
by wet sedge meadows and sprawling shrublands. Here, abundant large mammals,
such as caribou, muskoxen and moose, have attracted Dene and Inuit hunters
for thousands of years. Much of the local economy is still based on subsistence
hunting, trapping, and fishing.
4. Taiga Shield
The south-western part of Nunavut is located in the Taiga Shield.
The term “taiga” refers to the northern edge of the boreal
coniferous forest, sometimes referred to as the “land of little
sticks.” Combining Boreal and Arctic climates flora and fauna, this
region, rich in game and minerals, was first settled over 7000 years ago.
The abundance of water in the Taiga Shield attracts hundreds of thousands
of birds which come to nest or rest and feed on their way to arctic breeding
grounds.
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