Chris Johnson

I am a Full Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia and a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia. My research program is focused on understanding the relationship between human activities and ecology of terrestrial wildlife. This includes studies of how singular and cumulative human and industrial activities influence the behaviour, distribution, and abundance of wildlife. From a taxonomic perspective, much of that work is centred on the ecology of caribou, their predators (e.g., wolves), and their competitors (e.g., moose). These studies are conducted in a range of ecosystems from across Canada (BC, Alberta, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Yukon). Although caribou are the primary emphasis of my research program, I have led or contributed to studies focused on the ecology of mesocarnivores/furbearers (e.g., American marten, pacific marten, North American river otter) as well as large carnivores (e.g., cougar) and omnivores (e.g., black bear). I have authored or co-authored academic works that are directed at improving regulatory, policy, and planning responses to the cumulative impacts of industrial activities. The most significant contribution to that policy area is the book The Integration Imperative – Cumulative Environmental, Community, and Health Effects of Multiple Natural Resource Developments (2016). Also, I have practical and research expertise focused on the application of species at risk legislation to the conservation of biological diversity.

My interests and research in applied ecology, including the study of cumulative impacts, has led to invited participation on numerous provincial and federal committees focused on the assessment or recovery of threatened species. This includes serving as a member of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Also, I provided formal advice, serve or served as a member of committees advising Environment and Climate Change Canada, BC Government, Québec Government, Alberta Government, and Parks Canada on the study or recovery of woodland caribou.