scholarly journals The effects of human land use on the winter habitat of the recovering Carcross woodland caribou herd in suburban Yukon Territory, Canada

Rangifer ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Florkiewicz ◽  
Ramona Maraj ◽  
Troy Hegel ◽  
Marcus Waterreus
Keyword(s):  
Land Management ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Private Lands ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
Private And Public

Carcross woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) numbers are increasing as a result of an intensive management and recovery program initiated in 1993. In the last 13 years, three overlapping First Nation land claim agreements were settled resulting in a complicated array of private and public land management authorities on this winter range, situated in the Whitehorse periphery. Twelve years of VHF radio-collar data (1994-2005) and 5 years of GPS radio-collar data (2000-2005) for female caribou were assessed to determine winter concentration areas and important winter habitats. We contrasted locations from 11 GPS radio-collared caribou with land cover classes, derived from classified Landsat 7 imagery, to evaluate the distribution and abundance of preferred habitats within this winter range. We found significant use of Open Needle Leaf lichen vegetation classes and avoidance of the relatively more abundant Closed Needle Leaf class. Our resource selection function model validated the preference for Open Needle Leaf Lichen and determined that caribou were spaced significantly further from an estimate of the human Zone of Influence (ZOI) than was expected from random locations. While our assessment determined that 64% of the winter range was located outside of either private lands or land influenced by human activity, key winter vegetation classes were under-represented within this area. If caribou are to successfully recover on this landscape and persist through time it is essential to manage, through meaningful participation among land management authorities, the remaining caribou habitat for environmental rather than human consumptive values.

scholarly journals Movement pathways and habitat selection by woodland caribou during spring migration

Rangifer ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Joanne Saher ◽  
Fiona K.A. Schmiegelow
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
System Data ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Migratory Movements

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are a threatened species throughout Canada. Special management is therefore required to ensure habitat needs are met, particularly because much of their current distribution is heavily influenced by resource extraction activities. Although winter habitat is thought to be limiting and is the primary focus of conservation efforts, maintaining connectivity between summer and winter ranges has received little attention. We used global positioning system data from an interprovincial, woodland caribou herd to define migratory movements on a relatively pristine range. Non-linear models indicated that caribou movement during migration was punctuated; caribou traveled for some distance (movement phase) followed by a pause (resting/foraging phase). We then developed resource selection functions (RSFs), using case-controlled logistic regression, to describe resting/foraging sites and movement sites, at the landscape scale. The RSFs indicated that caribou traveled through areas that were less rugged and closer to water than random and that resting/foraging sites were associated with older forests that have a greater component of pine, and are further from water than were random available locations. This approach to analyzing animal location data allowed us to identify two patterns of habitat selection (travel and foraging/resting) for caribou during the migratory period. Resultant models are important tools for land use planning to ensure that connectivity between caribou summer and winter ranges is maintained.

Variation in the seasonal selection of resources by woodland caribou in northern British Columbia

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (8) ◽  
pp. 812-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. D. Gustine ◽  
K. L. Parker
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Predictive Capacity ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Selection Strategies

Conservation planning for species of concern or importance can be aided by resource selection functions (RSFs) that identify important areas or attributes. Models that can be interpreted biologically and provide reasonable predictive capacity may best be based on data from individuals grouped into seasonal selection strategies for particular geographical areas or similarities in topographical and vegetative associations. We used logistic regression, the information–theoretic approach, satellite imagery, and locational data (n = 31 females; 16 803 locations) from global positioning system (GPS) collared woodland caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) to model resource selection by animals during calving, summer, fall, breeding, winter, and late-winter seasons. Higher variation in resource use corresponded to times when caribou and their young were most susceptible to predation or when food resources were limited. Even with multiple selection strategies, caribou followed a general progression from higher to lower elevation habitats from calving and summer to late winter. Caribou selected against or completely avoided the burned–disturbed vegetation class in every season except summer. We incorporated RSFs with a raster geographic information system to create selection landscapes. We validated selection landscapes using withheld GPS data (n = 6077), 50 known calving sites, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Selection models and final selection landscapes performed well in validating use locations of woodland caribou in all seasons (all P < 0.003) and in predicting known calving sites (P < 0.001). When seasonal selection strategies are identified and models are coupled with validation, RSFs are effective tools to assist in conservation planning.

scholarly journals Winter distribution of woodland caribou in relation to clear-cut logging in west-central Alberta

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 1433-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirby G Smith ◽  
E Janet Ficht ◽  
David Hobson ◽  
Troy C Sorensen ◽  
David Hervieux
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Timber Harvest ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Daily Movement ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
West Central

The responses of a herd of migratory woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) to timber harvesting that fragmented about 11% of their winter range in west-central Alberta were examined in this study. From 1981 to 1996, 45 caribou were radio-collared and monitored during the initiation and completion of first-pass timber harvest (50% removal). Variables examined were home-range size, daily movement rates, and distance to the nearest cut block for radio-collared individuals. Daily movement rates and individual winter range sizes decreased as timber harvesting progressed. Caribou avoided using recently fragmented areas by an average of 1.2 km. If fragmentation of the winter range continues through timber harvesting and other industrial activities, the "spacing out" antipredator strategy used by caribou may be compromised. Based on these findings, timber-harvesting strategies are recommended that (i) ensure an adequate area of usable habitat to support the current population, (ii) minimize the amount of fragmented area, and (iii) in the short term avoid presently defined core use areas.

Winter habitat use by female caribou in relation to wildland fires in interior Alaska

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (7) ◽  
pp. 1192-1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Joly ◽  
Bruce W Dale ◽  
William B Collins ◽  
Layne G Adams
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Wildland Fire ◽  
Very High Frequency ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Burned Areas ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
Core Areas

The role of wildland fire in the winter habitat use of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has long been debated. Fire has been viewed as detrimental to caribou because it destroys the slow-growing climax forage lichens that caribou utilize in winter. Other researchers argued that caribou were not reliant on lichens and that fire may be beneficial, even in the short term. We evaluated the distribution of caribou relative to recent fires (<50 years old) within the current winter range of the Nelchina caribou herd in east-central Alaska. To address issues concerning independence and spatial and temporal scales, we used both conventional very high frequency and global positioning system telemetry to estimate caribou use relative to recent, known-aged burns. In addition, we used two methods to estimate availability of different habitat classes. Caribou used recently burned areas much less than expected, regardless of methodologies used. Moreover, within burns, caribou were more likely to use habitat within 500 m of the burn perimeter than core areas. Methods for determining use and availability did not have large influences on our measures of habitat selectivity.

Competition potential between sympatric woodland caribou and wood bison in southwestern Yukon, Canada

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (9) ◽  
pp. 1162-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A Fischer ◽  
C Cormack Gates
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
Bison Bison ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Winter Diet ◽  
Wood Bison ◽  
Utilization Distributions

Wood bison (Bison bison athabascae Rhoads, 1898) were reintroduced to the Aishihik Lake area in the southwestern Yukon, where a population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) existed. These species co-occurred in nearby Beringia over several hundred thousand years and in the study area throughout most of the Holocene. We hypothesized that resource-selection patterns should differ widely between species at all scales because co-evolution should have resulted in strong patterns of resource partitioning. We compared winter utilization distributions of both species based on aerial survey data and assessed differential resource selection at the scales of landscape and distributional overlap. We also assessed differential resource use within feeding sites and compared late-winter diets of the two species. We found 41% overlap in 95% utilization distributions but only 6% overlap in 50% utilization distributions. Strong differences were measured for use of space and terrain, including elevation, slope, and distance from permanent water bodies. Bison strongly selected for or used graminoids, while caribou selected for or used lichens at each scale. Overlap in winter diet between the two species was 10%. At current densities, exploitative competition in winter between these species is unlikely.

scholarly journals Examining the role of terrestrial lichen transplants in restoring woodland caribou winter habitat

2017 ◽  
Vol 93 (03) ◽  
pp. 204-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean B. Rapai ◽  
Duncan McColl ◽  
Richard Troy McMullin
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Transplant Program ◽  
Restoration Techniques ◽  
Terrestrial Lichen

The development of habitat restoration techniques for restoring critical woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) winter habitat will play an important role in meeting the management thresholds in woodland caribou recovery plans. The goal is to restore disturbed environments within critical winter habitat for the declining woodland caribou. Woodland caribou are diet specialists, utilizing lichen-rich habitat for forage during winter months. Cladonia sub-genus Cladina is the most frequently eaten species during this time. Herein, we provide: 1) A review of previously used methods for transplanting Cladonia sub-genus Cladina and their feasibility in restoring woodland caribou winter habitat; 2) A stepby- step protocol on how to carry out a terrestrial lichen transplant program (using Cladonia sub-genus Cladina and C. uncialis); and, 3) An evaluation of our protocol through the establishment of a case study in northern British Columbia. Our results indicate that transplanting C. sub-genus Cladina fragments is the most efficient technique for transplanting terrestrial lichen communities, but transplanting lichen ‘patches’ or ‘mats’ may also be effective.

Population status, distribution, and movements of woodland caribou in west central Alberta

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 817-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Janet Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Adult Mortality ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
West Central ◽  
The Face ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Maximum Estimate

Twenty-four woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the mountains and foothills of west central Alberta were radio collared to obtain information on seasonal movements, location and extent of seasonal ranges, rutting and calving areas, and population status. The study was conducted from December 1979 to June 1984 (fall composition surveys continued to 1986). Two populations of woodland caribou resided in the foothills winter range: a migratory mountain variety that moved west to the mountains in spring and returned in fall, and a more sedentary woodland variety that remained year round in the forested foothills. Calving and rutting grounds of the two populations were widely separated (minimum of 60 km). The mountain population ranged over a much larger area (11 000 km2) than the woodland population (4000 km2). Woodland caribou were fewer (maximum estimate 50) than the mountain caribou (maximum estimate 200). Population sex–age structure of the mountain caribou population, based on six surveys during the rut (October), averaged 54 males: 100 females: 27 calves (15% calves). Annual minimum adult mortality was 22% for the mountain and woodland populations, and both populations appeared to be declining. Predation, primarily by wolves, was strongly implicated in adult mortality, but causes of calf mortality were not determined. Human-caused mortality was an additional factor. Intensive management is required to ensure the viability of these caribou populations in the face of increasing industrial and recreational development. A short-term wolf reduction program and long-term public education, law enforcement, and habitat protection programs are recommended.

scholarly journals Population ecology of two woodland caribou herds in the southern Yukon

Rangifer ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Farnell ◽  
Norman Barichello ◽  
Katherina Egli ◽  
Gerry Kuzyk
Keyword(s):  
Population Ecology ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
Pup Survival ◽  
Moose Population ◽  
Snow Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Since the mid 1980's, the Aishihik herd of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) declined from approximately 1500 to 583 animals. During the same period a nearby herd, the Wolf Lake Herd increased from approximately 664 to 1249 animals. This paper compares aspects of the ecology of these two herds to determine how these relationships conform to a general model of caribou population ecology described by Seip (1992). Comparisons include caribou demographic characteristics and distribution patterns, predator densities, abundance of alternate prey, human hunting and snow depth on caribou winter range. Ecological differences between herds were apparent in the ratio of prime bulls to cows, the abundance of moose (Alces alces), the occurrence of coyotes (Canis latrans), late winter snow conditions, and access to hunting. We hypothesize that the Wolf Lake herd was able to grow because wolves {Canis lupus) preyed mainly on the relatively abundant moose population. A highly clumped winter caribou distribution may have further reduced the impact of wolf predation on the Wolf Lake herd. In contrast, the decline of the Aishihik herd was accompanied by a relative scarcity of moose, few prime aged caribou bulls probably due to a more liberal trophy harvest, and wider late-winter dispersion that offered wolves greater access to caribou. The decline may have been exaggerated by the peak in the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) cycle which may have temporarily improved wolf pup survival. We suspect that moose are normally the primary prey of wolves in the Yukon and that a decline in moose eventually results in their being too scarce to offer an economical prey choice, prompting a prey switch to caribou. Results of our analyses conform incompletely to Seip's (1992) model for woodland caribou population ecology, particularly because the Wolf Lake herd prospered where moose were relatively abundant.

scholarly journals Multi-scale foraging decisions made by woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in summer

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 331-341
Author(s):  
E.P. McNeill ◽  
I.D. Thompson ◽  
P.A. Wiebe ◽  
G.M. Street ◽  
J. Shuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Patch Selection ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Movement Trajectories ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Selection For

Multi-scale selection patterns can be understood from two perspectives: coarse-scale patterns as the summation of fine-scale patterns (scaling-up), or as a hierarchy produced from multiple contributory factors with differential effects on organismal fitness (hierarchical). We examined woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) selection of foraging locations across two spatiotemporal scales to test whether selection patterns between them were consistent (scaling-up) or different (hierarchical) to determine which framework most accurately describes their foraging behaviour. Seven adult female woodland caribou were equipped with GPS telemetry radio collars outfitted with high-definition video cameras that recorded woodland caribou foraging choices throughout the summer. Fine-scale data from videos combined with direct measurements in the field along movement trajectories obtained from GPS fixes were used to estimate (i) feeding station selection and (ii) food patch selection. We estimated resource selection functions for each scale following a use–availability structure. Woodland caribou exhibited resource selection at both scales. Apart from selection for species of the lichen Cladina (Nyl.) Nyl. and patches associated with high abundance of Cladina, few patterns were consistent across both scales. Our study suggests that even at very fine scales, woodland caribou selection for foraging locations is hierarchical in nature.

scholarly journals Seasonal resource selection of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) across a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan L. Hornseth ◽  
Robert S. Rempel
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Disturbance ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
The Other ◽  
Hudson Bay ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Selection Probability ◽  
Hudson Bay Lowlands ◽  
Selection Of

Resource selection functions are useful tools for land-use planning, especially for wide-ranging species with sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance. We evaluated five a priori hypotheses describing seasonal habitat selection of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) across three regions in northern Ontario. Two regions were Boreal Shield dominated, one area with relatively high anthropogenic disturbance (due to commercial forestry) and the other with relatively low anthropogenic disturbance. The final region was located on the wetland-dominated Hudson Bay Lowlands. Each region encompassed two caribou management ranges: one was used for model development and the other for model evaluation. We developed seasonal resource selection probability functions using seasonal utilization distributions and isopleths derived from GPS collar data (from 212 caribou) to identify high- and low-use areas. We explored selection across five spatial scales; selection patterns were strongest at the 10 000 ha scale. We found temporal and spatial variations in all environmental predictors across ranges and seasons, especially in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. Our results consistently supported the integrated global model (with common variables but range-specific coefficients) where caribou habitat use is related to minimizing apparent competition with moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) while avoiding disturbed areas, and utilizing areas with adequate forage.

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