A researcher at the University of Calgary says caribou are adapting to change and ensuring their survival.

Researchers say the have found links between the mountain caribou and two other sub-species of caribou dating back 10.000 years ago.

According to researcher, Bryon Weckworth, the mountain caribou is a result of some inbreeding between the woodland caribou and the baron tundra caribou.

Weckworth says because of their genetic background, mountain caribou can adapt to evolving habitat that comes with climate change and human activity.

There are currently about 1,000 mountain caribou living within six different herds in Alberta and British Coumbia.