Conservation of Peary caribou based on a recalculation of the 1961 aerial survey on the Queen Elizabeth Islands, Arctic Canada

The estimate of 25 845 Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) on the Queen Elizabeth Islands (QEI) in the Canadian High Arctic in summer 1961 is the only nearly range-wide 'benchmark' for the past number of caribou. No variances or confidence intervals were calculated for this estimate and no estimates were calculated for Peary caribou on the three major islands of Ellesmere, Devon, and Axel Heiberg. We reexamined the 1961 raw data by grouping the QEI into five island-complexes ('eco-units') and calculating, for each unit, the estimated number of caribou and the standard error, and the 95% confidence interval of the estimate, using a 'bootstrap' technique with 100 000 replications. Our goal was to provide an ecological basis for evaluating subsequent changes in numbers rather than relying on single-island evaluations. Our bootstrap reanalysis produced an estimate of 28 288 ± 2205 SE with a 95% CI of 20 436—37 031 Peary caribou on the QEI in summer 1961. Substantial differences in density were apparent among the five eco-units, with about a 50-fold difference from 0.01 caribou • km-2 in the Eastern eco-unit to 0.5 caribou • km-2 in the Northwestern eco-unit. The 1961 findings, with our subsequent reexamination, are crucial to any evaluation of trends for the number of Peary caribou on the QEI and the relative importance of individual eco-units for these animals. These findings also allow a more accurate evaluation of the magnitude of the subsequent decline of Peary caribou on the QEI during the last four decades and may help predict future potential levels for caribou in each of the five eco-units.

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Surveys of belugas and narwhals in the Canadian High Arctic in 1996

NAMMCO Scientific Publications ◽

10.7557/3.2843 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 169 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Stuart Innes ◽

MP Heide-Jørgensen ◽

Jeff L Laake ◽

Kristin L Laidre ◽

Holly J Cleator ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Arctic ◽

Aerial Survey ◽

Delphinapterus Leucas ◽

Line Transect ◽

Canadian High Arctic ◽

Distance Measurements ◽

Distance Information ◽

Surface Time ◽

Summer Range ◽

Using Data

The summer range of belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in Prince Regent Inlet, Barrow Strait and Peel Sound in the Canadian High Arctic was surveyed from 31 July to 3 August 1996 with a visual aerial survey of offshore areas and photographic aerial surveys of concentration areas. The visual survey estimate based on the number of belugas visible to the observers using systematic line transect methods was 10,347 (cv = 0.28). This included corrections for whales that were missed by the observers, observations without distance measurements and an estimate of 1,949 (cv=0.22) belugas from a photographic survey in southern Peel Sound. Using data from belugas tagged with satellite-linked time-depth recorders, the estimate was adjusted for individuals that were diving during the survey which resulted in an estimate of 18,930 belugas (cv = 0.28). Finally, counts of belugas in estuaries, corrected for estuarine surface time, were added to provide a complete estimate of 21,213 belugas (95% CI 10,985 to 32,619). The estimated number of narwhals corrected for sightings that were missed by observers was 16,364 (cv = 0.24). Adjusting this for sightings without distance information and correcting for whales that were submerged produced an estimate of 45,358 narwhals (95% CI 23,397 to 87,932).

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An Aerial Survey Technique for the Forest-Dwelling Ecotype of Woodland Caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou

The Canadian Field-Naturalist ◽

10.22621/cfn.v117i4.823 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 117 (4) ◽

pp. 546 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Réhaume Courtois ◽

André Gingras ◽

Claude Dussault ◽

Laurier Breton ◽

Jean-Pierre Ouellet

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Nous Avons ◽

Rangifer Tarandus ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Aerial Survey ◽

Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽

Woodland Caribou ◽

Survey Technique ◽

Two Phases ◽

Total Coverage

Accurate and precise population estimates for the forest-dwelling ecotype of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are very difficult to obtain because these Caribou are found at very low densities and in small herds dispersed over large areas. In order to suggest a standardized method, data from aerial surveys conducted in 1991 and 1993 (12 000 km2 blocks) were used to simulate various survey scenarios. Simulations showed that all the major groups of Caribou would have to be found and counted to obtain a confidence interval of ± 20% (α = 0.10). We tested this technique in a survey carried out in winter 1999 in a 42 539 km2 study site, opting for a total coverage carried out in two phases. In phase one, we used an airplane, flying north-south transects spaced 2.1 km apart so as to detect most Caribou track networks. In phase two, a helicopter was used to count and determine the sex and age classes (calves/adults) of Caribou found in phase one. Using 20 radio-collared Caribou, the visibility rate of Caribou groups (phase one) and that of Caribou within the groups (phase two) were estimated at 0.90 and 0.94 respectively for an overall rate of 0.85 (SE = 0.08; α = 0.10). The corrected density was estimated at 1.6 Caribou per 100 km2 with a 15% confidence interval (α = 0.10). The survey cost approximately $4/km2, which is lower than that of two previous surveys ($7/km2). Two main factors contributed to diminish costs: (1) the use of long-range airplanes (5-7 hours flying range) in phase one to minimize travel between the airports and the study site, and (2) the use of helicopters only in phase two for counting and determining the age and sex of the Caribou.Il est très difficile d’obtenir des estimations de population exactes et précises pour l’écotype forestier du Caribou des bois (Rangifer tarandus caribou) parce qu’on le retrouve en très faibles densités et qu’il est distribué en petites hardes réparties sur de vastes superficies. Les résultats de deux inventaires aériens réalisés en 1991 et 1993 (12 000 km2) ont été utilisés pour simuler divers scénarios d’inventaire afin de suggérer une méthode standardisée. Les simulations ont montré qu’il fallait trouver et recenser tous les groupes principaux pour obtenir un intervalle de confiance de ± 20 % (α = 0,10). Nous avons testé cette approche dans un site d’étude de 42 539 km2 où nous avons opté pour un plan en deux phases. En phase un, l’avion a été utilisé pour couvrir totalement le site d’étude selon des virées équidistantes de 2,1 km afin de détecter la plupart des réseaux de pistes. L’hélicoptère fut utilisé en phase deux pour dénombrer et sexer les Caribous dans les réseaux de pistes détectés en phase un. D’après 20 Caribous munis de colliers émetteurs, le taux de visibilité global était de 0,85 (SE = 0,08; α = 0,10), soit 0,90 en phase 1 et 0,94 en phase 2. La densité corrigée était de 1,6 Caribou par 100 km2 avec une erreur relative de 15 % (α = 0,10). L’inventaire a coûté 4 $/km2, ce qui est inférieur aux montants investis lors des inventaires antérieurs (7 $/km2). La diminution des coûts est attribuable à deux facteurs principaux : (1) l’utilisation d’avions à grand rayon d’action (5-7 heures d’autonomie) pour minimiser les déplacements en phase un; (2) l’emploi d’hélicoptères exclusivement pour le dénombrement et le sexage des caribous.

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Status, population fluctuations and ecological relationships of Peary caribou on the Queen Elizabeth Islands: Implications for their survival

Rangifer ◽

10.7557/2.23.5.1703 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 23 (5) ◽

pp. 213 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Frank L. Miller ◽

Anne Gunn

Keyword(s):

Rangifer Tarandus ◽

Canadian Arctic ◽

High Arctic ◽

Aerial Survey ◽

Partial Recovery ◽

Population Fluctuations ◽

Ovibos Moschatus ◽

Ecological Relationships ◽

The Status

The Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) was recognized as 'Threatened' by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada in 1979 and 'Endangered' in 1991. It is the only member of the deer family (Cervidae) found on the Queen Elizabeth Islands (QEI) of the Canadian High Arctic. The Peary caribou is a significant part of the region's biodiversity and a socially important and economically valuable part of Arctic Canada's natural heritage. Recent microsatellite DNA findings indicate that Peary caribou on the QEI are distinct from caribou on the other Arctic Islands beyond the QEI, including Banks Island. This fact must be kept in mind if any translocation of caribou to the QEI is proposed. The subspecies is too gross a level at which to recognize the considerable diversity that exists between Peary caribou on the QEI and divergent caribou on other Canadian Arctic Islands. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada should take this considerable diversity among these caribou at below the subspecies classification to mind when assigning conservation divisions (units) to caribou on the Canadian Arctic Islands. In summer 1961, the first and only nearly range-wide aerial survey of Peary caribou yielded a population estimate on the QEI of 25 845, including about 20% calves. There was a strong preference for range on the western QEI (WEQI), where 94% (24 363) of the estimated caribou occurred on only 24% (ca. 97 000 km2) of the collective island-landmass. By summer 1973, the overall number of Peary caribou on the QEI had decreased markedly and was estimated at about 7000 animals. The following winter and spring (1973-74), the Peary caribou population declined 49% on the WQEI. The estimated number dropping to <3000, with no calves seen by us in summer 1974. Based on estimates from several aerial surveys conducted on the WQEI from 1985 to 1987, the number of Peary caribou on the QEI as a whole was judged to be 3300-3600 or only about 13-14% of the 1961 estimate. After a partial recovery in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Peary caribou on the WQEI declined drastically between 1994 and 1997 and were estimated at an all-time known low of about 1100 animals by summer 1997. The number of Peary caribou on the QEI in summer 1997 was likely no more than 2000-2400 or only 8-9% of the 1961 estimate. The four known major die-offs of Peary caribou on the WQEI between 1973 and 1997 occurred during winter and spring periods (1 Sep-21 Jun) with significantly greater (P<0.005) total snowfall, when compared to the long-term mean obtained from 55 caribou-years (1 Jul-30 Jun), 1947/48-2001/02, of weather records from Resolute Airport on Cornwallis Island. Of ecological significance is that the die-offs occurred when the caribou were at low mean overall densities and involved similar high annual rates of loss among muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). All of the available evidence indicates that Peary caribou (and muskoxen) on the QEI experienced die-offs from prolonged, under-nutrition (starvation) caused by relative unavailability of forage-the forage was there but it was inaccessible to the caribou due to snow and/or ice cover. We cannot control the severe weather that greatly restricts the forage supply but we should try to reduce the losses of Peary caribou from other sources-humans, predators and competitors.

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Status of endangered and threatened caribou on Canada's arctic islands

Rangifer ◽

10.7557/2.20.5.1623 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 39 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anne Gunn ◽

Frank L. Miller ◽

John Nishi

Keyword(s):

Rangifer Tarandus ◽

Canadian Arctic ◽

High Arctic ◽

Aerial Survey ◽

Wolf Predation ◽

Climatic Regions ◽

Current Trends ◽

Ice Conditions ◽

Victoria Island

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) on the Canadian Arctic Islands occur as several populations which are nationally classified as either endangered or threatened. On the western High Arctic (Queen Elizabeth) Islands, Peary caribou (R. t. pearyi) declined to an estimated 1100 caribou in 1997. This is the lowest recorded abundance since the first aerial survey in 1961 when a high of ca. 24 363 caribou was estimated on those islands. Peary caribou abundance on the eastern Queen Elizabeth Islands is almost unknown. On the southern Arctic Islands, three caribou populations declined by 95-98% between 1973 and 1994 but our information is unclear about the numerical trends for the two other populations. Diagnosis of factors driving the declines is complicated by incomplete information but also because the agents driving the declines vary among the Arctic's different climatic regions. The available evidence indicates that severe winters caused Peary caribou die-offs on the western Queen Elizabeth Islands. On Banks Island, harvesting together with unfavourable snow/ice conditions in some years accelerated the decline. On northwestern Victoria Island, harvesting apparently explains the decline. The role of wolf predation is unknown on Banks and notthwest Victoria islands, although wolf sightings increased during the catibou declines. Reasons for the virtual disappearance of arctic-island caribou on Prince of Wales and Somerset islands are uncertain. Recovery actions have started with Inuit and Inuvialuit reducing their harvesting but it is too soon to evaluate the effect of those changes. Recovery of Peary caribou on the western Queen Elizabeth Islands is uncertain if the current trends toward warmer temperatures and higher snowfall persist.

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Structural variation in the songs of Atlantic walruses breeding in the Canadian High Arctic

Aquatic Mammals ◽

10.1578/016754203101024121 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 297-318 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Becky Sjare ◽

Ian Stirling ◽

Cheryl Spencer

Keyword(s):

Structural Variation ◽

High Arctic ◽

Canadian High Arctic

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Cyber Peacekeeping: Critical Evaluation of Digital Blue Helmets Program

NUST Journal of International Peace and Stability ◽

10.37540/njips.v3i2.53 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 17-27

Author(s):

Fahad Nabeel

Keyword(s):

United Nations ◽

Critical Evaluation ◽

Threat Detection ◽

Information And Communications Technologies ◽

The Past ◽

Research Article ◽

Un Peacekeeping ◽

Starting Point ◽

Communications Technologies ◽

Future Potential

In 2016, the United Nations (UN) launched the Digital Blue Helmets (DBH) program under its Office of Information and Communications Technologies (OICT). The launching of DBH was a continuation of a series of steps that the UN and its related agencies and departments have undertaken over the past decade to incorporate cyberspace within their working methodologies. At the time of inception, DBH was envisioned as a team capacitated to act as a replica of a physical peacekeeping force but for the sole purpose of overseeing cyberspace(s). Several research studies have been published in the past few years, which have conceptualized cyber peacekeeping in various ways. Some scholars have mentioned DBH as a starting point of cyber peacekeeping while some have proposed models for integration of cyber peacekeeping within the current UN peacekeeping architecture. However, no significant study has attempted to look at how DBH has evolved since its inception. This research article aims to examine the progress of DBH since its formation. It argues that despite four years since its formation, DBH is still far away from materializing its declared objectives. The article also discusses the future potential roles of DBH, including its collaboration with UN Global Pulse for cyber threat detection and prevention, and embedding the team along with physical peacekeepers.

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