This report focuses on the potential for conflict between mountain caribou and winter recreationalists in British Columbia.
 

Author(s): K. Simpson, E. Terry
Date: 22-Nov-99
Source: BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
Number on Library Shelf: 18

http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/techpub/wr99.pdf

The primary objectives of this report include documentation of the management concerns for each mountain caribou sub-population and development of interim management guidelines. Research recommendations designed to test various working hypotheses within an adaptive management framework are also present.
 

Author(s): Scott Creel, Jennifer E. Fox, Amanda Hardy, Jennifer Sands, Jennifer Sands, Bob Garrott, Rolf O. Peterson
Date: 19-Dec-00
Source: Conservation Biology, Pages 809-814 Volume 16 #3 June 2003
Number on Library Shelf: 69

http://www.montana.edu/wwwbi/staff/creel/snomoGC.pdf

The effect of human activities on animal populations is widely debated, particularly since a recent decision by US Department of the Interior to ban snowmobiles from national parks. Immunoassays of fecal glucocorticoid stress levels provide a sensitive and noninvasive method of measuring the physiological stress responses of wildlife to disturbances. We tested for associations between snowmobile activity and glucocorticoid levels in an elk (Cervus elaphus) population in Yellowstone National Park and wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Yellowstone, Voyageurs, and Isle Royale national parks. For wolves, comparisons among populations and years showed that fecal glucocorticoid levels were higher in areas and times of heavy snowmobile use. For elk, day-to-day variation in fecal glucocorticoid levels paralleled variation in the number of snowmobiles after we controlled for the effects of weather and age. Also for elk, glucocorticoid concentrations were higher in response to snowmobiles than to wheeled vehicles after we controlled for the effects of age, weather, and number of vehicles. Despite these stress responses, there was no evidence that current levels of snowmobile activity are affecting the population dynamics of either species in these locations.
 

Author(s): Adam R. C. James, A. Kari Stuart-Smith
Date: 01-Jan-00
Source: Journal of Wildlife Management 64(1): 154-159.
Number on Library Shelf: 70

Linear corridors (roads, trails, seismic lines, and pipeline corridors) have been hypothesized to increase human harvest and predation of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We tested the hypothesis that linear corridors affect caribou and wolf activities by examining the distribution of 2,616 telemetry locations of caribou, 27 caribou mortality sites, 592 telemetry locations of wolves (Canis lupus), and 76 sites where wolves preyed on large ungulates relative to linear corridors in caribou range and well-drained sites in northeastern Alberta. Of the 98 radiocollared caribou, 35 were significantly further than random from corridors and only 3 were significantly closer. The mean difference between caribou and random locations (106 m) was significantly different from zero. Within caribou range, wolf locations were closer (134 m) than random to linear corridors. Wolf 7predation sites were not significantly closer to corridors than were wolf locations or random points. Caribou mortalities attributed to wolf predation were closer (316 m) to linear corridors than were live locations from all caribou, indicating that caribou that are closer to linear corridors are at higher risk of depredation. Each caribou mortality attributed to wolf predation was closer to a corridor than their telemetry locations while alive (mean difference = 204 m). Caribou mortalities caused by humans were 174 m closer to corridors than all alive caribou locations, however this difference was not significant. Increased industrial activity in caribou range could have a significant effect on caribou population dynamics by increasing predation. The development of new corridors within caribou habitat should be minimized and existing corridors should be made unsuitable as travel routes to reduce the impacts of industrial development on caribou populations.
 

Author(s): Martha Tomeo
Date: 01-Apr-00
Source: Master's Thesis. University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska. .
Number on Library Shelf: 71

The impacts of winter recreation snowmobile use on moose (Alces alces gigas) in Alaska were investigated in 1999. Snowmobiles have historically been common modes of transport in northern regions, but their popularity as a recreational pastime has increased dramatically in recent years. The impacts of snowmobiles on wildlife are not well understood at present, yet snowmobile activity is rapidly expanding into wilderness areas. The impact of snowmobile activity as a physiological stressor on moose was studied non-invasively by measuring and comparing glucocorticoid levels in moose fecal samples collected from areas with and without recreational snowmobile use. Additionally, moose fecal samples were collected in three urban sites to provide a comparison of stress levels in different areas of human activity. I radioimmunoassays were preformed to measure metabolized excreted glucocorticoid levels. Mean glucocorticoid concentrations were lower in an area without snowmobile use (51.52 ng/g) than in an area with snowmobile use (58.18 ng/g) (F= 12.187, p < 0.01). Urban moose had higher glucocorticoid levels (77.84 ng/g, 103.34 ng/g, 167.24 ng/g) than moose in other areas (F= 267.661, p < 0.001). Assay group was found to be a significant independent actor in the analysis of glucocorticoid levels. The presence of snowmobile activity may be sufficiently stressful to elevate glucocorticoid levels in moose, and amplify the challenges to survival posed by the natural winter environment.
 

Author(s): Ross Clarke
Date: 15-May-99
Source: Prepared for Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Nelson BC
Number on Library Shelf: 72

http://www.cbfishwildlife.org/reports/pdfs/cougar99.pdf

In 1998, the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (CBFWCP) in partnership with the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), and BC Environment (BCE) initiated a cougar ecology and predation study in the South Selkirk Mountains (SSM) south of Nelson, BC (Woods 1998). Caribou in the SSM had a high rate of mortality during the 7summers of 1995 to 1997. Mule deer in the same study area also had significant losses to cougars in 1997. In order to reduce or reverse the losses of caribou and mule deer to cougar predation it was determined that there was the need to gather information on the South Selkirk cougar population, prey selection, habitat use, and general ecology. A parallel effort to determine cougar ecology and management requirements are currently underway in the SSM portion of Washington State and Idaho (Katnik 1998). This progress report represents the first 5 months of field activity up to March 31, 1999 and summarizes field priorities for 1999-00. Initial results will be presented at the end of the next fiscal at which point we will have 16 months of data. Funding for one year of this project was funded by the CBT. Funding in year two will be provided by the CBFWCP and the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund (HCTF).
 

The Effects of Snowmobiling on Winter Range Use of Mountain Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)

Author(s): Keith Simpson
Date: 01-Jul-85
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 73

http://www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference73.pdf
2.66 MB (scanned)

Aerial observations of caribou winter range areas showed that caribou avoided areas where there was extensive recreational snowmobiling. Experimental disturbance of caribou, using one or two machines, showed that human scent and large groups moving rapidly around an area were the main causes of avoidance by caribou. Caribou could tolerate low levels of snowmobile use. Recommendations included reducing snowmobile use by access and group size restrictions and posting information signs informing snowmobilers to avoid areas where there were caribou or tracks.
 

Author(s): Simon J. Dyer, Jack P. O'Neill, Shawn M. Wasel, Stan Boutin
Date: 01-Jan-02
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 79

Linear developments such as roads, seismic lines, and pipeline rights-of-way are common anthropogenic features in the boreal forest of Alberta. These features may act as barriers to the movement of threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Thirty-six woodland caribou were captured and fitted with global positioning system collars. These collared caribou yielded 43 415 locations during the 12-month study period. We compared rates of crossing roads and seismic lines with rates at which caribou crossed simulated roads and seismic lines using ArcInfo GIS. Seismic lines were not barriers to caribou movements, whereas roads with moderate vehicle traffic acted as semipermeable barriers to caribou movements. The greatest barrier effects were evident during late winter, when caribou crossed actual roads 6 times less frequently than simulated road networks. Semipermeable barrier effects may exacerbate functional habitat loss demonstrated through avoidance behavior. This novel approach represents an important development in the burgeoning field of road ecology and has great potential for use in validating animal-movement models.
 

Caribou reactions to provocation by snowmachines in Newfoundland

Author(s): S. P. Mahoney, K. Mawhinney, C. McCarthy, Doug Anions, S. Taylor
Date: 01-Jan-01
Source: Rangifer. Volume 21 -2001. Page 35
Number on Library Shelf: 90

Caribou in Gros Morne National Park reacted to provocation by snowmachine with significant differences in their responses between years. Upon exposure to snowmachines, caribou were displaced 60 to 237 m from their initial locations. Groups with calves allowed the snowmachines to approach more closely before responding (5 to 600m) than adult-only groups (30-1300 m), and their overall flight distances were less. Time spent in locomotion and overall reaction time were greater for animals engaged in the most sedentary activities (eg. Standing x = 239 s and x = 262 s, and lying x = 166 s and x = 273 s) than for animals already engaged in more dynamic activities such as walking (x = 118 s and x = 133 s), running (x= 74 s and x = 63 s) and feeding ( x = 118 s and x = 133 s). Annual differences in the response of adult-only groups were not due to differences in the sex ration of these groups, but may be related to annual variation in winter weather conditions.
 

Author(s): Fred H. Harrington, Alasdair M. Veitch
Date: 01-Sep-92
Source: Arctic, 45 (3): 213-218.
Number on Library Shelf: 91

Effects on woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of low-level military jet training at Canadian Forces Base-Goose Bay (Labrador) were studied during the 1986-1988 training seasons. Calf survival was periodically monitored during 1987 and 1988 in a sample of 15 females wearing satellite-tracked radiocollars. During 1987, each female's exposure to low-level overflights was experimentally manipulated on a daily basis. In 1988, daily exposure was determined by analyzing jet flight tracks following the low-level flying season. Calf survival was monitored by survey flights every 3-4 weeks. A calf survival index, the number of survey periods (maximum = 4) that a cow was accompanied by a calf, was negatively correlated with the female's exposure to low-level jet overflights during the calving and immediate post-calving period and again during the period of insect harassment during the summer. No significant relationship between calf survival and exposure to low-level flying was seen during the pre-calving period, during the late post-calving period prior to insect harassment, and during fall. In view of the continued depression of population growth in the woodland caribou population within the low-level training area, jets should avoid overflying woodland caribou calving range at least during the last week of May and the first three weeks of June.
 

Author(s): Mario Duchesne, Steve D. Cote, Cyrille Barrette
Date: 01-Jan-00
Source: Biological Conservation. 96:311-317
Number on Library Shelf: 92

We assessed the impact of ecotourist visits during winter on woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou time budgets in the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, Canada. We compared the behaviour of caribou during and after ecotourist visits with their behaviour during days without visits. In the presence of ecotourists, caribou increased time spent vigilant and standing, mostly at the expense of time resting and foraging. After visits, caribou tended to rest more than during control days. Caribou reduced the amount of time spent foraging during ecotourist visits as the number of observers increased. The impact of ecotourists appeared to decrease as winter progressed. Visits were short (x=39.3 min) and caribou never left their winter quarters because of human presence. However, caribou abandoned their wintering area twice in response to wolf presence. Although winter is a difficult period of the year for caribou, our results suggest that with proper precautions caribou in Charlevoix can tolerate ecotourist visits.
 

Author(s): Sandra J. Brown, William A. Thompson, Andrew Kliskey, Carmen Heaver, Laurie Cooper, Iian Vertinsky, Hans Schreier
Date: 15-Mar-94
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 94

This document looks at how Geographic Information Systems can be linked to models of caribou habitat suitability, forest growth and forest economics. This d can provide the capability to address land use conflicts in a spatial and temporal context.
 

Author(s): Donald R. Johnson, Michael C. Todd
Date: 15-Jun-77
Source: Can. Field-Nat. 91: 312–314
Number on Library Shelf: 114

Caribou use of a highway crossing point near Kootenay Pass, British Columbia was monitored with a time-lapse camera during the summer months when highway traffic was heaviest. Caribou approached the crossing on at least 11 occasions throughout the daylight hours, including times of peak traffic flow. The number of approaches declined as the season progressed. Additional approaches undoubtedly occurred during the daylight hours, but these were not recorded by the camera, and during periods of darkness when the camera was inoperative. We conclude that mountain caribou have become habituated to the presence of highway and road traffic and that they continue to use a traditional travel movement route despite man-caused harassment and mortality.
 

Author(s): Fred H. Harrington, Alasdair M. Veitch
Date: 31-Dec-91
Source: Arctic 44:318-327.
Number on Library Shelf: 123

The short-term impacts on caribou (Rangifer tarandus) of low-level jet fighter training activity at Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay (Labrador) were investigated during the 1986-88 training seasons (April-October). Visual observations of low-level (30 m agi) jet overpasses indicated an initial startle response but otherwise brief overt reaction by woodland caribou on late winter alpine tundra habitat. Between 1986-1988 daily effects of jet overflights were monitored on 10 caribou equipped with satellite tracked radio collars. Which provided daily indices of activity and movement. Half the animals were exposed to jet overflights: the other 5 caribou were avoided during training exercises and therefore served as control animals. In 1988 the control caribou were from a population had never been overflown. Level of exposure to low-level flying within the exposed population did not significantly affect daily activity levels or distance traveled, although comparison with the unexposed population did suggest potential effects. The results indicate that significant impacts of low-level overflights can be minimized through a program of avoidance.
 

Snowmobile – Mountain Caribou Interactions: A Summary of Perceptions and an Analysis of Trends in Caribou Distribution

Author(s): Trevor Kinley
Date: May 2003
Source: Prepared for: BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Victoria.
Number on Library Shelf: 128

Mountain caribou and snowmobilers share much of the same terrain in late winter within the Interior Wet Belt of east-central and southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho and northeastern Washington. The rarity of mountain caribou and the expansion in both numbers and extent of snowmobiles have led to concerns that snowmobile activity may have negative effects on caribou, such as physiological impacts, increased exposure to dangerous terrain, and range abandonment. This report examines 2 types of information, with the goal of increasing our knowledge on the potential relationships between snowmobiling and caribou. It (1) summarizes the observations of a sample of snowmobilers, wildlife managers and others with experiences relevant to the topic, and (2) examines late-winter census data in relation to mapping of snowmobile use areas, to determine whether there has been any decrease over time in the proportion of censused caribou groups occurring within snowmobile use areas.
 

Revelstoke Snowmobile Strategy

Author(s):
Date: October 2002
Source: City of Revelstoke web site
Number on Library Shelf: 142

www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference142.doc

The Revelstoke and Area Community Development Strategic Action Plan contains an objective of promoting and expanding existing tourism activities. A high priority was given to exploring opportunities and constraints related to snowmobile tourism. In April, 2001, the City of Revelstoke formed a Steering Committee to work with the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club and the Revelstoke Snowmobile Society to prepare a Revelstoke Snowmobile Tourism Management Strategy. The Steering Committee was given the task of developing an Action Plan and making recommendations regarding management of the Snowmobile Industry in our community.
 

Cumulative Effects of Habitat Change and Backcountry Recreation on Mountain Caribou in the Central Selkirk Mountains

Author(s): Steven Wilson and Dennis Hamilton
Date: March 2003
Source: Prepared for BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Pope and Talbot Ltd, and Canadian Mountain Holidays.
Number on Library Shelf: 157

www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference157.pdf

We used a cumulative effects analysis to examine the effects of logging and/or burning and commercial backcountry ski use on mountain caribou habitat and habitat use in the Central Selkirk Mountains. We used forest inventory databases to infer logging and/or burning activity in caribou range during each decade 1960-2000. Skier-runs were summarized by month-year within zones defined by Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) for their Galena and Kootenay tenure areas. We also examined snowmobile use by interviewing users in Nakusp and Trout Lake. Areas and linear features (i.e., logging roads) used by snowmobilers were mapped arid classified according to estimated use. This project represented one of the first attempts to address the effects of mechanized backcountry recreation (particularly heli-sking) on caribou habitat use. The results should be considered preliminary and similar hypotheses should be tested in other areas. Management actions to address habitat loss and to reduce encounters by recreationalists should continue while data from other areas are examined.
 

Author(s): Lara Webster
Date: August 1997
Source: Prepared for Jim Young, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Ministry of Environment, Williams Lake
Number on Library Shelf: 164

http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/car/resinv/wldinv/inventory/caribou/mtncar/harass/impacts.pdf
 

Behavioural Response of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) to Snowmobile Disturbance in an Alpine Environment

Authors: Todd Powell, Thomas Jung, Marco Festa-Bianchet
Date: September 2004
Source : MSc Thesis Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke
Number on Library Shelf: 177

www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference177.pdf

Abstract: Recreational activities on caribou winter range are increasingly of concern, yet little data exist to guide management policies. We experimentally tested the effect of snowmobile activity on woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) behaviour in the Coast Mountains, Yukon, Canada. Snowmobile activity may change woodland caribou foraging behaviour, cause habitat abandonment, or increase access for wolves that use snowmobile trails. Snowmobile speed, group size or approach angle did not affect caribou reaction. Groups of mature males allowed closer approach by snowmobiles than did maternal groups (containing cows, calves and yearlings) (mean 189 (±21 SE) metres vs. 289 (±28 SE) metres). For those groups that ran from the approaching snowmobile, initial flight distances did not differ between male (mean 227 (±43 SE) metres) and maternal (mean 282 (±30 SE) metres) groups. Maternal groups were twice as likely to run from an approaching snowmobile than male groups, and spent more time moving and being vigilant after disturbance. As male group size increased, flight distance decreased. This was not the case for maternal groups. Following disturbance, maternal groups spent more time running (mean 117 (±36 SE) seconds) than did male groups (mean 20 (±6 SE) seconds). We estimated that a single response to disturbance by a female caribou increases daily energy expenditure by 1.2%. Neither sex showed any evidence of either habituation or sensitization, over a single day or over the season. When snowmobiles were not present, time spent feeding, resting, vigilant and moving did not differ for either sex between areas that did and did not experience snowmobile use. Wolves frequently used snowmobile trails, possibly leading to increased predation on caribou. We recommend a distance of 500 metres or more between snowmobilers and caribou, informing snowmobilers about caribou ecology, and stemming the proliferation of snowmobile trails in caribou winter range.