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The variety of wild animal
life is limited, mainly because the 18 kilometre
Straits of Belle Isle, an effective barrier
to most species, separate Newfoundland from
the mainland. The Newfoundland caribou, a unique
sub-species, the largest in North America, once
migrated across the island in thousands, but
is now seen only occasionally in the vicinity
of the park. Conversely, the moose population,
introduced in 1878 and again in 1904, has escalated
to an estimated 90 000 animals. Populations
of snowshoe rabbit and red squirrel have experienced
a similar boom, but the wolf is gone. Lynx,
it is believed, may exist in the park in sufficient
numbers to indicate hope for their survival.
Black bear, red fox, beaver and mink thrive
in the swampy fens. Terra Nova is one of the
few places the pine marten can still be found.
With a population of about 300, there is fear
that loss of habitat and snaring may have pushed
the marten very close to extinction. One of
only 14 species native to the island, they have
probably resided here since the last glaciation,
developing into a sub-species not found anywhere
else in the world. The unbearable anticipation
of whale watching comes as a consequence of
the prospect of seeing a 30 tonne humpback jump
right out of the water or a school of pilot
whale swim past your boat. In the waters off
the park, minke, fin and porpoise can be seen
feeding. Farther offshore you may also see killer
whales, bay and harp seals, dolphins and squid.
From delicate songbirds to resilient seabirds
to regal hawks and eagles, ptarmigans, grouse
and owls, the park abounds with birdlife. The
park protects the breeding and migratory colonies
of kittiwakes, puffins, gulls, common murres,
razor- billed auks, gannets and Leach's
storm petrels.
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