The condition of caribou is strongly related to climatic factors. If for example, snow depths are greater as they are predicted to be in the future, caribou must spend more of their time and energy digging through snow for food and therefore spend less time eating. Deeper snow would also hinder caribou movement. If summer temperatures increase by 2 to 4°C, the harassment of caribou by mosquitoes will also increase and caribou will spend less time eating. The body condition of animals decreases when less food is consumed. This makes it difficult for cows to acquire enough energy to give birth and raise their young.

(Source: Government of Yukon)

The aboriginal communities of the Old Crow region, depend on the Porcupine Caribou Herd for food and maintenance of traditional lifestyles. Changes in the abundance of caribou would have impacts on these people. The ability to predict the impacts of climate change will allow for planning adaptation and mitigation such as protection of the caribou habitat.

Eamer, J., Russell, D. and Kofinas, G., 1997. Impacts of climate change on aboriginal lifestyles in British Columbia and Yukon; Chapter 16 in Responding to global climate change in British Columbia and Yukon, Volume I of the Canada Country Study: Climate Impacts and Adaptation, E. Taylor and B. Taylor (ed.); Environment Canada and BC Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks, 350 p.