Great Plain of the Koukdjuak
The Great Plain of the Koukdjuak is located in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut within the Canadian Arctic. It is the namesake of the Koukdjuak River in western Baffin Island on the southeastern coast of Foxe Basin. It stretches from Cory Bay to Hantzsch Bay, and then inland.[1]
Geography
The plain is about 120 mi (193 km) long, 60-90 mi (97-145 km) wide.[2] It 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.
Fauna
It 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.[3] It is classified as an Important Bird Area.[3]
Conservation status
- Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary (federal)
- Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Significance)
- Bowman Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
References
- ^ Canadian Hydrographic Service (1978). Sailing directions: Arctic Canada. Vol. 1. Canadian Government Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 0660112302.
- ^ "Koukdjuak, Great Plain of the". The Columbia Gazetteer of North America date=2000. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
{{cite web}}: Missing pipe in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b "Great Plain of the Koukdjuak". IBA Canada. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
External links