Davis Strait Polar Bears
The global polar bear population is separated into 20 subpopulations, some of which are experiencing declines, others remaining stable, and a few showing signs of growth. Thirteen of these subpopulations, or approximately two-thirds of the world’s total estimated population of 26,000 (95% Cl: 22,000-31,000) bears, are within Canada.
The Davis Strait polar bear subpopulation stretches across an array of landscapes in much of the Labrador Sea, eastern Hudson Strait, Davis Strait south of Cape Dyer within Canada, and a portion of southwest Greenland. Management authority for the Davis Strait subpopulation is a shared responsibility of federal, provincial, and territorial governments within Canada, Wildlife Management Boards and similar entities, and land claims.
How are Davis Strait bears doing?
The Davis Strait polar bear subpopulation has limited Western science data, including one mark-recapture study, two subjective estimates, and two structured population surveys. A mark-recapture study between 1974-1979 estimated 700-900 bears in southern Baffin Island, and 60-90 in northern Labrador, totaling 760-990 bears, with later revisions adjusting the estimate to 1,400 bears in 1993 and 1,650 bears in 2005. The first structured population survey (2005-2007) estimated 2,158 bears, later adjusted to 2,250 bears. A second survey in 2017-2018 estimated 2,015 bears, with a slight decline in the subpopulation’s growth rate from 2006-2018, indicating a likely decrease in population size.
Inuit Knowledge studies from Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut all agree that the Davis Strait polar bear population is increasing. In Nunavut, knowledge holders reported a general rise in polar bear abundance over their lifetimes, with Kimmirut contributors noting a consistent distribution since 1945, while those from Pangnirtung observed the bears’ range expanding since the 1990s. In Nunavik, knowledge holders noted an increase in polar bear numbers starting in the 1970s, with a more significant rise after the 1990s and expanded distribution. Similarly, in Nunatsiavut, knowledge holders reported an increase in polar bear numbers in Labrador since the 1990s, with signs of polar bears spreading beyond community areas.
A review and synthesis of documented Inuit knowledge related to the Davis Strait polar bear subpopulation
Hicks A., Durkalec A., Snook J., Borish, D., Breton-Honeyman K. (2022). Nanuk Knowledge and Dialogue Project: Inuit knowledge review and synthesis. A review and synthesis of documented Inuit knowledge related to the Davis Strait polar bear subpopulation. Project conducted and report prepared for the Torngat Wildlife, Plants and Fisheries Secretariat by Polynya Consulting Group 55pp.
Nunavut Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit on the health of the Davis Strait polar bear population
Tomaselli, M., Henri, D.A., Pangnirtung Hunters and Trappers Organization, Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Organization, Akavak, N., Kanayuk, D., Kanayuk, R., Pitsiulak, P., Wong, P., Richardson, E.S., and Dyck, M. 2022. Nunavut Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit on the health of the Davis Strait polar bear population. Final project report. 117 pp. and appendice
