Author(s): Clayton D. Apps, Bruce N. McLellan, Trevor A. Kinley, John Flaa
Date: 01/01/2001
Source: Journal of Wildlife Management. 65:65-77.
Number on Library Shelf: 1

Mountain caribou, an endangered ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are associated with late-successional forests, and protecting their habitat conflicts with timber extraction. Our objectives were to describe seasonal, scale-dependent caribou-habitat relationships and to provide a means for their integration with forest planning. Between 1992 and 1999, 60 caribou were radio-located 3,775 times in the north Columbia Mountains of British Columbia. We analyzed caribou selection for multiple forest overstory and terrain attributes across 4 nested spatial scales, comparing successively smaller and closer paired landscapes (used and random). Seasonal habitat selection varied with scale for most attributes. During early winter, caribou preferred broad landscapes of low elevation, gentle terrain, high productivity, high canopy cover, and old and young forests of species indicative of a relatively mild, dry climate. Finer-scale preferences were for old western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata) stands, high canopy closure, high productivity, and southern aspects. During late winter, caribou preferred broad landscapes of high elevation, northern aspects, and old Englemann spruce (Picea engelmanii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) stands. Overstory preferences were similar at fine scales, coupled with low canopy closure and productivity, high elevations, and gentle terrain. During spring, caribou preferred broad landscapes of young and old closed canopy cedar, hemlock, and spruce forests of high productivity and low elevations. Preferences were similar at finer scales but included gentle slopes. Summer preferences included closed canopy, old spruce and subalpine fir forests of high productivity across scales, north and east aspects at broad scales, and gentle terrain at fine scales. Of the variables considered, linear combinations of subsets could explain and predict seasonal habitat selection across scales (P < 0.001). Our results confirm the close association of mountain caribou with old-growth forests, and describe relationships that can be accounted for in spatially explicit habitat-timber supply forecast models.
 

Author(s): Bruce N. McLellan, Glen S. Watts, Eliot Terry
Date: 01-Jan-00
Source: J. Appl. Ecol. 37:589-602.
Number on Library Shelf: 2

During winter, mountain caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou live in late successional and old-growth coniferous forests, where they feed almost exclusively on arboreal lichens. Because some of these forests are also valuable to the forest industry, caribou ecology and forest management remains a central conservation issue in British Columbia. To improve our understanding of caribou habitat use in relation to forest management, we investigated the winter habitat selection patterns of mountain caribou at a range of spatial scales between 1988 and 1993 in the northern Cariboo Mountains, British Columbia.
 

Author(s): W. James Rettie, Francois Messier
Date: 29-Nov-99
Source: Ecography 23: 466-478.
Number on Library Shelf: 12

Habitat selection is a hierarchical process that may yield various patterns depending on the scales of investigation. We employed satellite radio-telemetry to examine patterns of habitat selection by female woodland caribou in central Saskatchewan at both coarse (seasonal ranges) and find (daily area) scales. At each scale, we converted spatial data describing compositions of available and used habitat to standardised resource selection indices and examined them with multivariate analyses of variance. Seasonal ranges generally showed more preferential inclusion of peatlands and black spruce dominated stands relative to recently disturbed stands and early seral stage forests. In all populations, caribou preferred peatlands and black spruce forests to all other habitat types at the daily area scale. In general, these patterns may reveal the avoidance of wolves, the primary factor limiting caribou throughout the boreal forest. In three populations where seasonal ranges showed the selective inclusion of either young jack pine stands or clearcuts along with peatlands and black spruce forests, we found a relative avoidance the clearcuts and young jack pine stands at the daily area scale. As all caribou populations in the area are thought to be relics of a once more continuous distribution, the seasonal range selection by animals in disturbed areas may better describe historic rather than current habitat selection. We found inter-annual variation in selection at the coarser spatial scale in one population, and inter-seasonal variation in selection at the finer spatial scale in three populations, indicating that the relative grains of the spatial and temporal scales coincide. We were better able to explain the seasonal variations in finer scale selection by considering available forage, a factor less likely than predation to limit woodland caribou populations. The data agree with the theory that the spatial and temporal hierarchy of habitat selection reflects the hierarchy of factors potentially limiting individual fitness.
 

Author(s): E. Janet Edmonds, Kirby G. Smith
Date: 01-Jan-91
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 17

A study of mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) was conducted from 1987 through 1989 to obtain information on calf survival, calving and summer habitat, timing of spring migration and distances moved to calving areas. In addition, the effect of winter severity and snowfall on calf survival based on data collected since 1981 was assessed. Observations of a sample of radio-collared adult female caribou provided detailed data on calf production, timing of movement to calving sites, calving habitat, fidelity to calving sites and timing of mortality of calves. In years when winters were severe or snowfall was high through April and May, radio-collared females did not move as far from their winter range to calve and calved at lower elevations, than years when winters were of average or above average severity and springs were relatively snow free. Correspondingly, low percentage calves in fall/early winter composition counts were associated with a previous severe winter or late spring. Calving habitat was variable, though located primarily above 1600 m, and calving sites were widely dispersed. Dispersal to higher elevation calving sites was considered to be an antipredator strategy that was disrupted when snow cover on the winter range extended late into the spring. Over nine years of monitoring, the mean percentage calves in fall/early winter composition counts was 14 and four years of low calf survival negated five years of average or above average calf survival.
 

Author(s): Michael Morris
Date: 01-May-99
Source: Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
Number on Library Shelf: 19

www.cmiae.org/mtncaribou.htm

This information sheet published by Parks Canada defines and discusses the Inland Rain Forest.
 

Author(s): Eric M. Rominger, John L. Oldemeyer, David J. Spalding
Date: 07-Jul-88
Source: J. Wildl. Manage. 53(1):238-242.
Number on Library Shelf: 25

http://wdfw.wa.gov/archives/pdf/94026205.pdf

We monitored early-winter habitat use by woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the southern Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia, during November-December 1985-86. We compared biological and physical attributes of random locations within known early-winter caribou range to actual caribou use sites. Univariate and descriptive discriminant analysis indicated significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) separation of several habitat variables between random use sites and sites used by caribou. We observed caribou in old-growth stands with moderate slopes (less than 30 degrees); greater density of recently windthrown, lichen-bearing trees; higher elevations; and less canopy-cover and total tree basal area than measured at random plots. Because the Selkirk caribou use Englemann spruce (Picea engelmanni)-subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata)-western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) communities, we recommend maintenance of old-growth timber in these habitat types.
 

Author(s): Clayton Apps, Trevor Kinley
Date: 01-Aug-95
Source: Prepared for BC Environment, Cranbrook and East Kootenay Environmental Society, Kimberley
Number on Library Shelf: 27

This document includes:

• A validation assessment of a mountain caribou Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model, based on observed habitat use by caribou in the southern Purcell Mountains;
• an analysis of the relationship between habitat use by caribou and habitat distribution over the surrounding landscape; and
• associated recommendations for managing mountain caribou habitat in the southern Purcell Mountains.

Author(s): Dale R. Seip
Date: 01-Apr-92
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology. 70:1494-1503
Number on Library Shelf: 28

This document describes a project that was conducted to determine the seasonal habitat requirements and population status of woodland caribou in the Quesnel Highlands, British Columbia.

Author(s): Trevor Kinley
Date: 15-Dec-98
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 30

The purpose of this report is to briefly summarize the advantages and drawbacks of the two systems, particularly in relation to their potential use for the Central Selkirks caribou project.
 

Author(s): T.M. Gaines
Date: 01-Sep-98
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 31

This document describes a project aimed at developing a habitat suitability index for the mountain caribou which could be applied within the SIMFOR modeling.
 

Author(s): Eric M. Rominger, John L. Oldemeyer
Date: 15-Aug-89
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 32

http://www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference32.pdf
1.46 MB (scanned)

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the southern Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia shift from a diet of primarily vascular taxa during snow-free months to an arboreal lichen – conifer diet during late winter. We present evidence that caribou diets, during the early-winter transition period, are influenced by snow accumulation rates. Caribou shift to an arboreal lichen – conifer diet earlier during winters of rapid snow accumulation and forage extensively on myrtle boxwood (Pachistima myrsinites), an evergreen shrub, and other vascular plants during years of slower snow accumulation. The role of coniferous forage in early-winter food habits is examined. Forest management strategies can be developed to provide habitat that will enable caribou to forage in response to varying snow accumulation rates.
 

Author(s): Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Division
Date: 01-Feb-91
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 33

Proceedings of a mountain caribou workshop.
 

Author(s): Dale R. Seip
Date: 01-Mar-90
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 34

http://www.savethegoat.ca/robson_caribou.htm

The purpose of this project was to gather information for the development of a management plan for caribou in Wells Gray Provincial Park, including information on seasonal movements and habitat use, population parameters and the status of caribou.
 

Author(s): Trevor A. Kinley
Date: 22-Mar-03
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 35

http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/kor/wld/reports/htmlfiles/Purcari001/Purcari001.html

Mountain caribou are an ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) inhabiting the high-snowfall region of southeastern British Columbia and northern Idaho. Their rarity and reliance on old forests of potentially high timber value necessitates careful management based on knowledge of habitat requirements. Habitat selection has been modeled at broader spatial scales for the southern Purcell Mountains subpopulation, but patterns of forage site selection were not known. We therefore snow-trailed caribou in the southern Purcells to determine foraging patterns during the potentially limiting early-winter period. When snow was less than or equal to 51 cm deep, caribou fed on grouseberry (Vaccinium scoparium) and the terrestrial lichen Cladonia in addition to the arboreal hair lichen Bryoria. When snow was greater or equal to 62 cm deep, they used exclusively arboreal lichen. In both periods, caribou ate arboreal lichen from essentially every downed tree or branch encountered and fed with a higher intensity at downed trees than standing trees. During the low-snow period, caribou fed at fewer trees but used those with greater lichen abundance and fed more intensively at each, relative to the deep-snow period. In comparison to trees on the foraging path where caribou did not feed, those at which arboreal lichen was foraged intensively were of larger diameter, had greater lichen abundance, and were more likely to be subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), or Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and less likely to be whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), lodgepole pine (P. contorta) or alpine larch (Larix lyalli). The shift in habitat use between the low-snow and deep-snow periods was consistent with a shift recognized for mountain caribou between the early-winter and late-winter seasons, but occurred at a much earlier date than previously reported. This may have been due to the very rapid snow accumulation during the study period.
 

Author(s): Garth Mowat, Trevor Kinley, Susan Pendray
Date: 26-Mar-98
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 36

Seventeen caribou were equipped with VHF radiocollars and eight caribou were equipped with GPS collars in 1996 or early 1997. VHF collars were monitored approximately monthly and GPS collars were set to take fixes at either two or three hour intervals. Between 3 and 18 locations were captured for individuals with VHF collars, and GPS collars generated between 250 and 800 locations per caribou. These data were compared to digital forest cover, elevation, and biogeoclimatic data. We also snow-tracked caribou in early winter 1997 and measured feeding site and forest attributes at selected forage sites and random locations on caribou trails. We found that caribou spent most of their time in the alpine tundra during the calving and summer period; caribou used the ESSF zone to a lesser extent during this time. Caribou made trips to the ICH through the early winter, though they spent a majority of their time in the ESSF zone during that season. Caribou spent virtually all their time in the ESSF zone during late winter and spring, although in late winter of 1997, which was a heavy snowfall year, caribou used lower elevations within the ESSF. Few movement routes across major low-elevation valleys were located, but there does not appear to be a significant route across the upper Blue River valley between summer and early winter. During early winter caribou foraged in mature stands of all aspects in slopes less than 80%. They browsed lichen from standing and downed trees in the ESSF, while in the ICH they ate lichen on downed trees and browsed on shrubs and herbs. Caribou also foraged along forest edges, where they primarily fed on lichen on fallen branches and trees. Generally caribou selected lichen forage sites that had more lichen available than random sites. They did not select one size or species over another though foraging stands consisted largely of mature trees (mean age = 112 years, mean tree dbh = 26 cm).

Author(s): Keith Simpson, Keith Herbert, Guy Woods
Date: 31-Feb-87
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 37

http://wdfw.wa.gov/archives/pdf/94026205.pdf

Using radio location data, we identified habitats used by mountain caribou during each season. We also collected data to assess the relative hardship experience by caribou in the early- and late-winter periods. Information on seasonal changes in caribou mobility and food availability was necessary in determining critical habitats. We have proposed an expansion of the currently accepted designations of critical habitat for mountain caribou and discuss the aspect important to management.
 

Author(s): Susan K. Stevenson
Date: 01-Oct-94
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 38

http://www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference38.pdf 
966 KB (scanned)

This article describes the management approach that is being developed in B.C., regarding woodland caribou, and discusses its applicability to other areas
 

Author(s): Gregg Servheen, L. Jack Lyon
Date: 01-Jan-89
Source: J. Wildl. Manage. 53(l):230-237
Number on Library Shelf: 40

http://www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference40.pdf
9.5 MB (scanned)

A small herd of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the southern Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia and Idaho are the only caribou in the United States outside of Alaska. We initiated studies to determine caribou habitat use in 6 time periods (seasons) and to develop standards for the protection of habitat essential for recovery of this endangered herd. We described habitats for each season by measurements of basal area, tree density, canopy cover, understory cover, lichen abundance, slope, aspect, elevation, and timber stand type. These parameters and the habitat components they described were then related to environmental variables, caribou behavior patterns and physiological requirements of caribou in each season. Snow cover and firmness, isolation of females during calving, and summer and winter forage requirements are discussed as they relate to use of habitat components. Recommendations for habitat management identify those components essential for recovery of caribou in the Selkirk Mountains.
 

Author(s): R. Yorke Edwards, Ralph W. Ritcey
Date: 01-Jan-60
Source: Can. Field-Nat. 74:3-7
Number on Library Shelf: 42

This document reports on a study that was conducted to determine those species of plants selected by caribou from the profusion of species available to them.
 

Author(s): Doug Leighton
Date: 01-Mar-92
Source: BC Outdoors magazine
Number on Library Shelf: 43

This item is an article on mountain caribou from the BC Outdoors magazine.
 

Author(s): Clayton Apps, Trevor Kinley
Date: 01-Jul-99
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 45

This document outlines management recommendations that are apparent as a result of the univariate results of the habitat modeling in the Thompson River Watershed.
 

Author(s): Clayton Apps, Trevor Kinley
Date: 01-Mar-95
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 46

This document describes an analysis of habitat selection by southern Purcell mountain caribou over a period of approximately 3 years. Research is ongoing, and because the data is pool is still somewhat limited, this analysis should be considered preliminary. For this assessment, we have taken an approach which is felt will best integrate results to date into landscape level habitat planning with caribou as a management objective.
 

Author(s): Bruce McLellan, John Flaa, Mike Super
Date: 01-Jan-94
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 61

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in southeastern British Columbia feed on arboreal lichen during winter. Because arboreal lichen is most abundant on old trees, these caribou have been identified as old-growth dependent (B.C. Ministry of Environment 1989). Clear-cut harvesting of mature forests is perceived to be incompatible with maintaining winter habitat for caribou. Knowing the relative value of various habitats to the caribou population both within and among seasons and understanding why these habitats are important is critical when integrating caribou requirements in an area managed primarily for timber production. An early step towards gaining this knowledge is to determine which habitats caribou prefer to use during each season.
 

Author(s): Garth Mowat, David Stanley
Date: 08-Mar-99
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 62

We studied mountain caribou habitat selection in the North Thompson valley of British Columbia. We were interested to measure site level forage choice during mid-winter in order to help with select cut prescriptions on logging blocks in caribou winter range. We followed caribou tracks in the snow order to measure site level forage choice. We measured the size, age, species, vigor, and lichen abundance and species composition on standing and downed forage trees, and an equal number of random trees in the forage stands. All recent downed trees and branches appear to be foraged when first discovered. Downed trees tended to be older and more decadent than standing trees, but not larger. Caribou exploited windfall along habitat edges such as roadways and the borders of swamps and logged blocks, though one edge habitat type was always unlogged mature forest. Caribou foraged on trees > 10m tall which had high lichen loads. These trees were 10% larger (at dbh above snow) and 29% older than random trees. Very few trees < 10m tall were selected though they were common in the forage stands we studied (40% of all trees > 2m). Select or partial cutting in mature ESSF stands will only retain caribou lichen foraging opportunities if mature trees > 10m tall are preserved. It is difficult to define the number of these large trees required to maintain reasonable foraging efficiency for caribou, canopy closure must not be substantially reduced or travel costs due to higher snow depths may discourage use. We found caribou made low elevation crossings of the Blue River and upper Mad River in January very close to crossings observed in previous years. We suggest these areas be protected as travel corridors.
 

Author(s): Eliot Terry
Date: 01-May-93
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 63

In 1988 the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks initiated the Mountain Caribou and Managed Forests Program in response to forestry conflicts related to high elevation timber harvesting in mountain caribou winter range. This report provides information from the radio-telemetry component of the program (1988-1991) designed to determine seasonal movements and habitat use patterns of mountain caribou east of Prince George, BC.
 

Author(s): David Pehl, Sean Bennett
Date: 01-Mar-00
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 64

Provincial declines in abundance and distribution of Mountain Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) have prompted studies directed toward specific habitat requirements for this subspecies. Determining site level habitat selection is necessary to ensure proper management of habitat requirements for mountain caribou at the landscape level. In the third year of this site level forage selection project, data was collected in late-winter from January 25th through February 18th. Habitat surveyed included all biogeoclimatic subzones from the Interior Cedar-Hemlock (ICH) subzone upward in elevation to the lower elevation of the Alpine Tundra (AT). Identification of forage sites and plot data was determined by using the same methodology from previous years. Trees that had obvious forage indications were measured and recorded and then, if possible, a paired site with similar characteristics and within the same stand containing no recent forage activity was measured for the same variables. Caribou foraged on a variety of trees that ranged in height from approximately 6-30m and that were predominately from the A2 strata canopy layer. Although large mature trees were common to most forage stands smaller regressed A3 or B1 layer trees were often the selected forage sites. Forage trees often had both common arboreal lichen species (Alectoria spp and Bryoria spp) with Bryoria commonly being the dominant species. Caribou forage sites occurred in a wide variety of habitat types including habitat edges along roads, natural openings or alpine, clearcut or selectively harvested areas, and undisturbed mature forests.
 

Author(s): Bruce McLellan, John Flaa, Mike Super
Date: 25-Mar-03
Source: Ministry of Forests, Revelstoke, BC 23 pp
Number on Library Shelf: 66

For over 2 years representatives of various interest groups negotiated land-use plans over a large proportion of British Columbia in a process that is generally referred to as the Commission on Resources and Environment or CORE. Complete consensus among sector representatives was not attained in all areas, but based on CORE negotiations the government of B.C. produced the West Kootenay-Boundary Land-Use Plan in March, 1995. This plan highlights the challenge in the Revelstoke Forest District of “ensuring the long-term viability of the internationally important woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population while maintaining a viable forest industry”. The government accepted the plan submitted by the citizens of Revelstoke that identified 14 of 31 polygons in the Forest District as having both high timber and caribou values and thus require enhanced management.
 

Author(s): John P. Flaa, Bruce McLellan
Date: 25-Mar-03
Source: Pp. 639-642 in L.M. Darling, ed. 2000. Proc. Conf. on the Biology and Manage. Species and Habitats at Risk, Kamloops, B.C., 15-19 Feb., 1999. Vol. 2; B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC, and Univ. College of the Cariboo, Kamloops, BC. 520pp
Number on Library Shelf: 67

http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/mc03flaa.pdf

The Lake Revelstoke caribou are the southernmost contiguous mountain caribou population in British Columbia. Population characteristics of the herd were examined during 1981–85, with 13 radio-collared caribou, and1992–98, with 47 radio-collared caribou. During several late-winter censuses, sightability of marked animals was 92% and the proportion seen was a function of the height of snow. Our best estimate of the population size was 375animals (95% CI 337–413). Cause of death of 31 radio-collared animals included accidents (42%), predation (29%),and poor condition (10%). Deaths due to avalanches (accidents) were the single leading cause at 23%. Survival of radio-collared caribou averaged 84% since 1992. Progesterone levels in 29 female caribou indicated that 83% were pregnant. There was an average of 28 calves/100 adults during 1981–84, and 18 calves/100 adults during 1994–97.Survival rates of adult caribou and the ratio of calves per 100 adults indicate that the population was stable.
 

Author(s): Alan Norquay
Date: 27-Aug-98
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 77

This brief document looks at how GPS technology could be applied to the Mountain Caribou Habitat Project.
 

Author(s): Anders Marell, John P. Ball, Annika Hofgaard
Date: 01-Jan-02
Source: Can. J. Zool./Rev. Can. Zool. 80(5): 854-865 (2002)
Number on Library Shelf: 78

http://pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/rp/rp2_abst_e?cjz_z02-061_80_ns_nf_cjz5-02

Food-plant and foraging-site selection by semi-domesticated female reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) was studied to shed light on the searching and foraging behavior of this herbivore. The aims of the study were (i) to determine the role of food biomass and (or) plant nitrogen content in feeding-site selection and (ii) to analyse the extent to which movement patterns of reindeer are related to availability of food resources using several models of searching behavior (fractal analysis, correlated random walks, and Levy flights). The study was conducted in summer 1999 in a mountainous area of northern Sweden. Reindeer selected different plant communities during the period and changed search patterns in the late summer. We found that reindeer selected feeding sites with higher green biomass of Betula spp. and Salix spp. However, there was no sharp threshold for foraging as suggested by some models. Contrary to qualitative predictions of optimal-foraging theory, we found no selection of feeding sites on the basis of nitrogen content of food. The changed search pattern in late summer and the discrepancy between reindeer foraging paths and a correlated random walk model suggests that reindeer were responding to their environment by changing their searching behaviour.
 

Author(s): Clayton Apps, Trevor Kinley
Date: 07-Apr-00
Source: Prepared for Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
Number on Library Shelf: 84

www.cbfishwildlife.org/reports/pdfs/caribou00.pdf

This document analyzes data collected form GPS collars deployed on 6 mountain caribou near the Robson Valley, British Columbia, during 1996 and 1997.
 

Author(s): Kenneth N. Child
Date: 26-Mar-03
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 86

An information sheet on mountain caribou in British Columbia.
 

Author(s): Dennis Hamilton, Brenda Herbison
Date: 01-Sep-97
Source: Prepared for Forest Renewal BC
Number on Library Shelf: 87

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/frbc1999/FRBC1999MR164.pdf

A report outlining the results of third year of a four year project.
 

Author(s): Janice Wormworth
Date: 01-Dec-98
Source: Beautiful British Columbia 40:4 (1998): 30-35.
Number on Library Shelf: 88

An article on mountain caribou from the Beautiful British Columbia Magazine: Winter 1998
 

Author(s): Jasper Carlton
Date: unknown
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 89

This document is aimed at providing a detailed description of mountain caribou sign.
 

Author(s): Eric Moore Rominger
Date: 01-May-95
Source: Rominger, E.M. 1995. Late Winter Foraging Ecology of Woodland Caribou.
Ph.D. Dissertation, Washington State University, Pullman. 68 pp.
Number on Library Shelf: 96

To better understand late winter foraging ecology of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the arboreal lichen feeding niche, bottle-raised caribou were used in laboratory and field trials. Variables with the greatest influence on intake rate differed between laboratory and field trials. Bite size was the most important variable in laboratory trials; bite rate was the most important in field trials. During late winter field trials, caribou foraged on lichen primarily on standing subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and dead trees. Bite size, bite rate, bite intake, tree resident time, and amount of lichen eaten/tree were included in a general linear model with tree species, tree size class, and tree lichen class as the independent variables. All variables, except bite size, increased significantly with an increase in tree lichen class. Compared to theoretical maximums, intake rate was low on all lichen class trees (range 1.4-2.1g/min). Caribou would have to forage 14-21 hours to meet predicted daily requirements. Tree resident time and time between trees varied inversely with tree density. In cafeteria style preference trials using the 2 primarily arboreal lichen genera, caribou strongly preferred Bryoria spp. (92%) compared to Alectoria sarmentosa (8%). Apparent dry matter digestibility of this diet was 82%. Data from late winter field trials were used to test recent functional response models relative to optimality and mechanisms. Observed patch resident time, amount of lichen eaten/patch, lichen intake rate, and bite rate of caribou were significantly lower than model predictions. I conclude that short temporal frame foraging trials with fasted ungulates do not accurately reflect foraging ecology under field conditions, and that caribou do not forage "optimally" as defined by current models, and that multiple tests of models will be required to integrate foraging theory and management.
 

Author(s): Dr. John Harling, Dr. Joan Snyder
Date: 06-Jun-75
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 103

A report presented to the International Caribou Steering Committee, June 6, 1975. Spokane, Washington.
 

Author(s): Dale R. Seip
Date: 01-Jan-98
Source: Rangifer. Special Issue #10
Number on Library Shelf: 104

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in British Columbia inhabit a wide variety of forest ecosystems. Numerous research projects have provided information that has been used to develop caribou habitat management recommendations for different areas. Recently, the province has implemented guidelines to protect biodiversity that are based on an ecosystem management strategy of mimicking natural forest conditions. There is a great deal of similarity between caribou management recommendations and biodiversity recommendations within different forest types. In mountain caribou habitat, both approaches recommend maintaining a landscape dominated by old and mature forests, uneven-aged management, small cutblocks, and maintaining mature forest connectivity. In northern caribou habitat, both approaches recommend maintaining some older stands on the landscape (but less than for mountain caribou), even-aged management, and a mosaic of large harvest units and leave areas. The ecosystem management recommendations provide a useful foundation for caribou habitat conservation. More detailed information on caribou and other management objectives can then be used to fine-tune those recommendations.
 

Author(s): Michael Irwin Bloomfield
Date: 01-Mar-79
Source: MSc thesis 318 pp.
Number on Library Shelf: 109

A thesis submitted to the faculty of graduate studies and research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in wildlife productivity and management.
 

Author(s): Keith Simpson, Guy Woods
Date: 01-May-87
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 110

This document summarizes the results of a BC Hydro Compensation fund project. As a result of the reservoir flooding the funds were provided for the project for research on mountain caribou in the area north of Revelstoke, B.C.
 

Author(s): Trevor Kinley
Date: 1999
Source: B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Wildl. Branch. 6pp.
Number on Library Shelf: 118

http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/caribou.pdf
 

Mechanisms underlying the decline of mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in British Columbia

Author(s): Heiko Uwe Wittmer
Date: March 2004
Source: PhD Thesis, University of British Columbia
Number on Library Shelf: 132

www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference132.pdf

The distribution and abundance of mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in British Columbia has declined. High predation rates as a consequence of forest management and associated changes to the relative abundances of alternate ungulate prey species have been proposed to cause the population declines. A direct link between changes in the forest age structure and declining caribou population trends, however, is lacking. Understanding the underlying mechanism of the population decline is necessary to develop recovery strategies aimed at maintaining a viable mountain caribou population. synthesized demographic and radio-telemetry data from separate studies initiated over the entire distribution of mountain caribou between 1984 and 2002. My primary goal was to use a comparative approach among identified subpopulations to distinguish between three potential repercussions of forest management (food regulation, predation-sensitive foraging, and predation) that might explain the observed declining population trends. I used information on caribou density per area of forests>140 years within subpopulation ranges and cause of mortality to differentiate between the potential repercussions. Predation was the primary cause of caribou mortality over the entire distribution of mountain caribou. In addition, I found increasingly negative rates of increase as caribou density per area of forests >140 years declined (i.e. inverse density dependence). Both results were consistent with the hypothesis that the decline of mountain caribou is caused by high predation rates. I then quantified the influence of demographic parameters on sub=population trends and identified environmental factors correlated with variation in these demographic parameters among subpopulations. My results indicated that differences in subpopulation trends were best explained by differences in female adult survival rates. Female adult survival rates were negatively associated with increasing amounts of young forest stands and thus high proportions of suitable habitat for alternate prey species. Thus, my data supports the mechanistic link between the amount of habitat characteristics suitable for alternate ungulates and decreased survival of adult female caribou. Finally, I carried out a population viability analysis for mountain caribou. My results indicate that mountain caribou are likely declining to extinction over the majority of their distribution within <100 years.
 

Multivariate Habitat Modeling for Mountain Caribou in the Columbia Mountains, British Columbia

Author(s): Clayton Apps
Date: February 1999
Source: P 653 in L.M. Darling, ed. 2000. Proc. Conf. on the Biology and Manage. Species and Habitats at Risk, Kamloops, B.C., 15-19 Feb., 1999. Vol. 1; B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC, and Univ. College of the Cariboo, Kamloops, BC.
Number on Library Shelf: 162

http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/mc06apps2.qxd.pdf
 

Central Selkirk Mountain Caribou Habitat Model

Author(s): Dennis Hamilton, Steven Wilson
Date: March 31, 2003
Source: Prepared for Slocan Forest Products, Meadow Creek Cedar Company, BC Timber Sales Branch of MoF, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.
Number on Library Shelf: 165

www.cmiae.org/compendium/reference165.doc

Mountain caribou are a species at risk in British Columbia and the Central Selkirk herd experienced a significant population decline during 1996-2002. We conducted Resource Inventory Standards Committee (RISC)-approved ground sampling and capability-suitability modelling to map caribou habitat throughout the range of the Central Selkirk mountain caribou herd.

We collected data at 91 plots within the Central Selkirk Mountains study area, outside of TFL 23. Many of these plots were in the ICHwk1 biogeoclimatic subzone variant where few plots had previously been sampled to RISC standards. In addition, many of the plots were within the area of the Kootenay Lake predictive ecosystem map (PEM), where no RISC-standard plot work had previously been conducted.

We developed 4 seasonal suitability and capability models and accompanying maps that illustrated the value of ecosystem units for caribou. We also tested the goodness-of-fit of the models with respect to telemetry point data collected during inventory projects in the Central Selkirk Mountains. We found that habitats rated high were used more than expected, based on their availability within the study area, for each of the 4 seasons. Similarly, habitats rated low were used less than expected and moderate habitats were used in proportion to their availability.

We also developed a zonation strategy based on the results of this and previous projects. The zonation attempted to maximize the benefit to caribou habitat of mature and old forest guidelines in the Kootenay Boundary Higher Level Plan by spatially stratifying the range of the Central Selkirk mountain caribou herd into areas within which different forest practices are recommended. The zonation strategy requires a timber supply, economic impact and trade-off analysis before it is adopted.
 

Mountain Caribou – On The Edge

Author(s): Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, Knowledge Network
Date: 2002
Source: Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
Number on Library Shelf: 168

http://www.cmiae.org/caribou-video.htm

This 90-second film from Parks Canada highlights issues related to dwindling populations of southern BC’s Mountain Caribou.
 

Density, ages, and growth rates in old-growth and young-growth forests in coastal Oregon

Author(s): John C. Tappeiner, David Huffman, David Marshall, Thomas A. Spies, John D. Bailey
Date: 31-Jan-97
Source: Canadian Journal of Forest Research 27:638- 648.
Number on Library Shelf: 6

http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ppv/RPViewDoc?_handler_=HandleInitialGet&journal=cjfr&volume=27&calyLang=eng&articleFile=x97-015.pdf

We studied the ages and diameter growth rates of trees in former Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) old-growth stands on 10 sites and compared them with young-growth stands (50-70 years old, regenerated after timber harvest) in the Coast Range of western Oregon. The diameters and diameter growth rates for the first 100 years of trees in the old-growth stands were significantly greater than those in the young-growth stands. Growth rates in the old stands were comparable with those from long-term studies of young stands in which density is about 100-120 trees/ha; often young-growth stand density is well over 500 trees/ha. Ages of large trees in the old stands ranged from 100 to 420 years; ages in young stands varied only by about 4-10 years. Apparently, regeneration of old-growth stands on these sites occurred over a prolonged period, and trees grew at low density with little self-thinning; in contrast, after timber harvest, young stands may develop with high density of trees with similar ages and considerable self-thinning. The results suggest that thinning may be needed in dense young stands where the management objective is to speed the development of old-growth characteristics.
 

Author(s): Andre Arsenault, Trevor Goward
Date: 01-Feb-99
Source:
Number on Library Shelf: 8

http://wetbelt.unbc.ca/docs/inland-rainforests.pdf

Within the northern hemisphere a major proportion of the world’s rain forests at temperate latitudes occur along the west coast of North America. Fronting the Pacific Ocean, and centered in British Columbia at 43 degrees N to 61 degrees N (see also Alaback 1991), these coastal rain forests are characterized by a highly oceanic climate, with heavy precipitation, high overall humidity, moderate temperatures, and relatively infrequent thunderstorm activity (Agee 1993). Related to the above, they are also characterized by a low incidence of wildfire (Agee 1993, Arsenault 1995), a preponderance of old-growth forests, a biomass virtually unequalled in other terrestrial ecosystems (Waring and Franklin 1979), and a rich epiphytic nonvascular flora. Outside of British Columbia, the coastal rain forests narrow southward into Oregon, and northward into southeast Alaska.
 

Author(s): Kirby G. Smith, E.J. Ficht, D. Hobson and T.C. Sorenson, David Hervieux
Date: 01-Jan-00
Source: Can. J. Zool. 78: 1433–1440 (2000)
Number on Library Shelf: 10

http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ppv/RPViewDoc?_handler_=HandleInitialGet&journal=cjz&volume=78&calyLang=eng&articleFile=z00-094.pdf

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 cutblock for radio- collared individuals.  Daily movement rates and individual winter range sizes decreased as timber harvesting progressed.  Caribou avoided using frequently 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 useable 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.
 

Population dynamics of the endangered mountain ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in British Columbia, Canada

Authors: Heiko Wittmer, Bruce McLellan, Dale Seip, James Young, Trevor Kinley, Glen Watts, Dennis Hamilton
Date: 2005
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology 83: 407-418
Number on library shelf: 174

http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ppv/RPViewDoc?_handler_=HandleInitialGet&journal=cjz&volume=83&calyLang=eng&articleFile=z05-034.pdf

Abstract: We used census results and radiotelemetry locations of >380 collared individuals sampled over the entire distribution of the endangered mountain ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) in British Columbia, Canada, to delineate population structure and document the size and trend of the identified populations. We also describe the spatial pattern of decline and the causes and timing of adult mortality and provide estimates of vital rates necessary to develop a population viability analysis. Our results indicate that the abundance of mountain caribou in British Columbia is declining. We found adult female annual survival rates below annual survival rates commonly reported for large ungulates. The major proximate cause of population decline appears to be predation on adult caribou. Spatial patterns of population dynamics revealed a continuous range contraction and an increasing fragmentation of mountain caribou into smaller, isolated subpopulations. The population fragmentation process predominantly occurs at the outer boundaries of the current distribution. Our results indicate that recovery strategies for mountain caribou should be directed at factors contributing to the fragmentation and isolation of mountain caribou populations as well as management strategies aimed at increasing adult survival.
 

Ecological interactions among caribou, moose, and wolves: Literature review

Authors: Thomas Chowns, Cormack Gates
Date: December 2004
Source: National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI). 2004. Technical Bulletin No. 0893. Research Triangle Park, NC:
Number on Library Shelf: 175

http://www.ncasi.org//Publications/Detail.aspx?id=2697

Woodland caribou populations are declining in many areas of Canada and there is concern that the decline may be associated with timber harvesting. Caribou, moose, and wolves share a long evolutionary history and their relationships may become altered by large-scale landscape disturbance. This technical bulletin presents a review of scientific literature pertaining to the hypothesis that increases in moose and wolf populations after timber harvesting have adverse effects on caribou. Specifically, large-scale habitat changes that have allowed moose populations to increase and thereby sustain higher wolf numbers presumably have resulted in excessive predation on caribou, apparently resulting in caribou population declines.

Differentiation of caribou by ecotype rather than phenotype has advantages for conservation purposes. The “forest-dwelling” ecotype of woodland caribou often move across extensive areas at low densities, and populations have been difficult to define and monitor. Woodland caribou and moose often partition habitats on the landscape, such that caribou tend to graze mostly lichens and occupy nutrient-poor forest types, while moose browse vascular plant species such as willows, which are associated with more productive environments. The relatively high reproductive potential of moose enables their populations to respond rapidly to a superabundance of forage produced after forest fires or logging. Carrying capacities for caribou increase more slowly and are likely to decline suddenly after such disturbances.

Some caribou populations experience the effects of multiple predators such as grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, coyotes, wolverines, lynx, eagles, and humans. The predation rate is determined by the predator’s functional and numerical responses to changes in prey density. Some of the most viable caribou populations are those that employ anti-predator strategies which reduce encounter rates with wolves at calving time. These include migrating away from wolf denning habitat, seeking refuge on islands, bogs, and shorelines, and parturient females dispersing away from caribou concentrations.

Food selection by wolves is influenced by profitability relative to energetic costs of travel, especially in snow, and dangers in attacking large prey. If primary prey become less abundant, it may be more profitable for wolves to switch to another prey species. Critical thresholds in predator and prey densities affect population dynamics. In some areas, woodland caribou populations are too low to sustain wolves without alternate prey such as moose. Caribou appear in decline or may be eliminated in areas where wolves exceed critical densities. On the other hand, caribou populations have been known to change by several orders of magnitude, especially where herds are migratory and alternate prey for wolves are low in numbers or lacking. Several factors such as age, nutritional state, season, disease, parasites, and genetic load are capable of affecting caribou vulnerability to predation. The very young and the very old are usually the most heavily preyed upon.

Recent changes in ungulate and carnivore distributions may be influenced by climate change and human activities. Measures implemented to conserve woodland caribou populations include hunting restrictions, reintroductions, predator control, parks and protected areas, and national and provincial recovery strategies.

Caribou habitat and commercial forest overlap in some regions and the effects of forestry on caribou vary according to the ecological setting. Roads and seismic-exploration trails may allow greater penetration of wolves into areas occupied by caribou, and vehicular traffic may displace caribou into closer proximity to moose and wolves. The design of forest harvest pattern may significantly affect predator-prey relationships. A mosaic of small cutovers across extensive areas or cutting upland sites in close proximity to fen/bog habitat may be undesirable for caribou management. Silvicultural activities that are compatible with lichen retention and discourage moose browse production are expected to be the most beneficial for caribou. Although fire control may conserve caribou habitat in the short term, fire is an integral part of the boreal forest and this animal is adapted to a fire environment. Further research and management needs have been recommended.