Great Plain of the Koukdjuak
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The Great Plain of the Koukdjuak in the Canadian Arctic is the namesake of the Koukdjuak River in western Baffin Island on the southeastern coast of Foxe Basin, in northern Canada's Nunavut territory (formerly Franklin District, Northwest Territories). It is about 120 mi (193 km) long, 60-90 mi (97-145 km) wide.[1] The Plain is characterized as a broad, flat, water-logged lowland with a tidal zone that may extend as far as 15 km inland. The Plain's boundaries include raised beach ridges 25-80 km inland and granite outcrops to the south. Its tundra covers clay soils, limestone and shale bedrock.
The Great Plain of the Koukdjuak is notable for migratory bird and wildlife (barren-ground caribou crossing) habitat. The Plain supports the largest goose colony in the world. It is a breeding ground or habitat for Lesser Snow Geese, Canada Geese, Oldsquaw, King Eider, Common Eider, and Atlantic Brant. It is a natural habitat for shorebirds, such as Red Phalarope.[2] It is classified as an Important Bird Area.[2]
[edit] Conservation status
- Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary (federal)
- Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Significance)
- Bowman Bay Game Sanctuary (wildlife sanctuary)
[edit] References
- ^ Koukdjuak, Great Plain of the. The Columbia Gazetteer of North America date=2000. Retrieved on 2008-01-21.
- ^ a b Great Plain of the Koukdjuak. IBA Canada. Retrieved on 2008-01-30.
