A Survey of the Mammals of Bylot Island, Northwest Territories

HE 1954 Bylot Island expedition was organized under the auspices of the Arctic Institute of North America, with additional support from the New York Zoological Society, to survey the flora and fauna of Bylot Island, and to study certain ecological problems. A general description of the activities of the expedition has been prepared (Drury, 1954) but the present paper reports only on the mammals of Bylot Island and its surrounding waters. It is based mainly on observations made in the field by the writer and other members of the expedition; data were also obtained from Arctic Wildlife Enquiry reports prepared by the Pond Inlet Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the fur returns of the Hudson's Bay Cosmpany were made available to us. Discussion with the Tununermiut Eskimo proved most valuable, as they are accurate and reliable observers and could provide infor- mation on all seasons. Experience showed that certain Eskimo were better informed than others about particular animal species, and every attempt was made to take advantage of this.