Mammals
American Marten (Newfoundland Population)
| Martes americana atrata |
Threatened (April 2007) |
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The American marten (Newfoundland Population) is small tree-dwelling carnivore and member of the weasel family. It has a slender body with short limbs and a long, bushy tail. Its fur is soft and dense, yellowish brown, darker on the tail and legs and lighter on the belly. It has a pale buff patch on its throat.
The American marten, also known as the pine marten, Newfoundland marten, or marten cat, is one of 14 subspecies in Canada and exists only in insular Newfoundland. Most of the population occurs in the areas of Little Grand Lake, Red Indian Lake, Glover Island, Main River, and Terra Nova National Park. However, marten populations are starting to expand back into their historical range throughout Newfoundland.
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Polar Bear
| Ursus maritimus |
Vulnerable (April 2008) |
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The polar bear is a large, creamy white bear with a long body, long neck, narrow head and very small ears. Its foot pads are covered with fur, its claws and tongue are black, and its eyes are brown. Males are larger than females. In Canada, the polar bear occupies ice-covered areas from Labrador to the Alaskan border. Occasionally individuals are found in insular Newfoundland, usually on spring ice, but later move north again. The polar bear has inspired both awe and respect and in recent years and has become a symbol of the effects of global warming on northern species. |
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Wolverine
| Gulo gulo |
Endangered (May 2003) |
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The wolverine, a native mammal to Labrador, resembles a small bear with a bushy tail. It has long, dark brown fur, with two yellowish stripes starting at the head and meeting at the rump. It can weigh between 15 and 25 kg, and is the largest mustelid (member of the weasel family) in the province.
The wolverine’s eastern population is thought to range throughout northern Québec and most of Labrador. Historically wolverine were trapped throughout most of Labrador; however numbers of animals trapped declined early in the 20th century. There have been no confirmed records in Labrador since the 1950s, although there continue to be occasional unconfirmed sightings.
Contact the Endangered Species Program
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Woodland Caribou in Labrador
| Rangifer tarandus caribou |
Threatened (May 2002) |
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Woodland caribou are found in both Newfoundland and Labrador, but the threatened status applies to sedentary woodland caribou in Labrador, including the Mealy Mountain, Red Wine, and Lac Joseph herds. The Mealy Mountain Herd can be found in the Mealy Mountains and adjacent areas, immediately south of Lake Melville. The range for the Red Wine Herd is the Red Wine Mountains and as far south as the Churchill River. The Lac Joseph Herd is found in the Lac Joseph area of western Labrador.
The woodland caribou is one of the most primitive members of the deer family. It has a large, blond muzzle; short, wide ears; and a small, heavily furred tail. Its compact body is covered with long, thick fur. It has large, crescent-shaped, cloven hooves that are adapted to walking in snow and bogs.
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