| IBA |
Berlinguet Inlet
Baffin Island, Nunavut |
| Site Summary |
| NU066 |
Latitude
Longitude |
71.412° N
85.430° W |
Elevation
Size |
0 - 300 m
19,858.10 km² |
Habitats:
sedge/grass meadows, freshwater lake
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Land Use:
Not Utilized (Natural Area), Urban/industrial/transport
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Potential or ongoing Threats:
Disturbance, Extraction industry, Industrial pollution
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| IBA Criteria: Continentally Significant: Congregatory Species, Nationally Significant: Waterfowl Concentrations |
| Conservation status: |
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Site Description
This large site is located in the northwestern region of Baffin Island, Nunavut. It encompasses the coasts and surrounding lowlands of Bernier Bay, Berlinguet Inlet, Gifford River, Jungersen Bay, and southern Admiralty Inlet. This is a predominantly low-lying area, broken by some hilly coastal regions ranging from 150300 m in height. Lowland sedge-grass and tundra vegetation dominates the river valleys, and many small lakes are located throughout the coastal areas south of Admiralty Inlet. The bays and inlets are important for Ringed and Bearded seals, as well as Polar Bears. The islands of Admiralty Inlet provide summer habitat for Polar Bears.
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Birds
This is the second most important breeding area for Greater Snow Geese in Canada, after Bylot Island. On a partial survey of the site in July 1969, 6,700 Greater Snow Geese were observed, which represented a major portion of the Canadian breeding population at that time. In August 1980, a more complete survey documented 14,700 birds. This represented approximately 7% of the 1980 Greater Snow Goose population (and represents 2% of the 1995 Greater Snow Goose population). No further surveys have been completed. Over the last 10 years, there have been substantial population increases at spring and fall staging areas, indicating that the overall North American Greater Snow Goose population is increasing rapidly. Therefore it is likely that the Berlinguet Inlet population has also increased substantially. In 1980 and 1983 breeding groups of Canada Geese were observed at the site, representing the most northeasterly breeding records for this species at that time. Other birds that nest and feed in the area include gulls, terns, fulmars, sea ducks, and Peregrine Falcons.
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IBA Criteria |
| Species↓ T | A | I |
Links |
Date |
Season |
Number |
G |
C |
N |
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Note: species shown in bold indicate that the maximum number exceeds at least one of the IBA thresholds (sub-regional, regional or global). The site may still not qualify for that level of IBA if the maximum number reflects an exceptional or historical occurrence.
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Conservation Issues
The breeding season is a critical period for birds, and they are most vulnerable to disturbance at this time (from May through September). The habitat of the low-lying regions, which is important for feeding, is also sensitive to terrain disturbance from vehicles, and can be severely impacted by any alterations. The Canadian Wildlife Service has identified Berlinguet Inlet as a Key Habitat Site for migratory birds, though this carries no protective status.
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