Nanuit Itillinga National Wildlife Area, National wildlife area in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Canada.
Nanuit Itillinga is a protected wildlife area covering approximately 263,600 hectares on Bathurst Island in the Canadian Arctic. The landscape features a valley with elevations from sea level to 60 meters, surrounded by hills that rise up to 240 meters.
The site received international recognition as a Ramsar wetland in 1982, placing it on the list of the world's most important wetlands. Canada's wildlife service formally established it as a protected conservation area in 1985 to ensure long-term preservation of the wildlife and habitats.
The name Nanuit Itillinga reflects the Inuit connection to this Arctic landscape and how local communities view the land as part of their heritage. People in the region value this place because it protects the animals and habitats that have sustained them for generations.
Access to this area requires special permits from Environment and Climate Change Canada for research or visitation purposes. The remote location on an Arctic island means careful planning and preparation are necessary before reaching the site.
The area is home to about 11 mammal species including Arctic foxes, wolves, and ermines, along with about 54 bird species such as red-throated loons and snowy owls. This concentration of wildlife makes it an important refuge for Arctic animals in one of the world's harshest environments.
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