Space and habitat use by the threatened Gaspé caribou in southeastern Quebec

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1922-1933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Pierre Ouellet ◽  
Jean Ferron ◽  
Luc Sirois
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Altitudinal Distribution ◽  
Alpine Habitat ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
High Elevations

The space and habitat use patterns of the threatened Gaspé caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) were documented using telemetry. Between 1987 and 1992, 701 radiolocations were recorded, primarily for adult females (n = 28). Five habitats available to caribou (hardwood, immature, mature fir, mature spruce, alpine) are described and biomass of arboreal lichen, an important winter food source, is estimated. Regardless of sex and age, almost all locations (91%) were recorded within the limits of Gaspé Provincial Park. Home-range size of adult females averaged 148 km2 (convex polygon); 95% of adult female locations were within 107 km2 and 50% within 15 km2 (harmonic mean). Home-range sizes were small and did not vary seasonally or annually. Throughout the year caribou were located more frequently than expected at high elevations (> 915 m) and less frequently than expected at low elevations (0–685 m). Consequently, alpine habitat was used more frequently than expected. Caribou concentrated their activity in two distinct areas: the alpine plateaus of Mont Albert and Mont Jacques-Cartier. No caribou used both areas (with the exception of a lone female). These two caribou groups should be viewed as two subpopulations. The biomass of arboreal lichens was greatest in mature fir and spruce stands, with 50–60 kg/ha available at a height of 4 m. The altitudinal distribution of this resource may partly explain the strong selection of high-elevation sites made by caribou in winter. Our results also support the hypothesis that cow–calf groups remain at high elevations to reduce the risk of predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) and black bears (Ursus americanus). The proximity of mature forests and alpine habitat, at high elevations, in two areas of the park may explain the small extent of adult female home ranges and the segregation of Gaspé caribou into two groups.

scholarly journals Translocation and Recovery Efforts for the Telkwa Caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou, Herd in Westcentral British Columbia, 1997-2005

2007 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Vik Stronen ◽  
Paul Paquet ◽  
Stephen Herrero ◽  
Seán Sharpe ◽  
Nigel Waters
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Lower Elevation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Elevations

During 1997–1999, 32 Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) were translocated from the Sustut Herd to the Telkwa Mountains in westcentral British Columbia to augment recovery of the Telkwa Caribou Herd. The animals were fitted with radiocollars and located during 1997–2000 to determine selection of habitat features and terrain variables. Six Caribou calves were also collared to determine causes and timing of calf mortality during summer 1999. Defining available habitat for newly translocated animals is often arbitrary and subjective, and we based the analyses on ranks for habitat use and availability as this is less sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of a questionable resource. This method represents some loss of information but provides indications of the relative importance of various habitat types without classifying any as avoided. High elevation habitat (> 1700 masl) on moderate slopes (16 – 45°) received the highest ranks, as did “warm” (136 – 315°) aspects and forests > 250 years old. Three calves died shortly after birth. One calf appeared to have been killed by predation, likely by a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and one calf was abandoned by the cow. Cause of death for the third calf is unknown. To assess habitat use associated with calving we compared summer locations with data obtained throughout the rest of 1999 for eight cows with calves and eight without calves. We found significant difference in use of elevation during calving time, when cows with calves remained at high elevations and barren cows generally descended to lower elevation habitat. Surveys conducted in 2005, five years after the completion of the initial study, produced a count of approximately 90 Caribou. This suggests that in the short term, the translocation was successful in re-establishing a self-sustaining Caribou population in the Telkwa Mountains.

The temporal niche and seasonal differences in predation risk to translocated and resident woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou)

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (11) ◽  
pp. 809-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Leech ◽  
D.E. Jelinski ◽  
L. DeGroot ◽  
G. Kuzyk
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
High Elevations

Mountain caribou are an endangered ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) that continue to decline, ultimately, due to habitat loss and, proximately, due to predation. A particularly imperilled population of mountain caribou was experimentally augmented with 19 northern caribou, a geographically distinct ecotype, from northern British Columbia. We examined seasonal variation in risk of predation by cougars (Puma concolor (L., 1771)) to the translocated caribou with comparison to resident caribou. Our basic approach followed the Movement Ecology Paradigm, in particular the interplay among why move, and when and where to move. We applied a cluster analysis framework on space-use patterns of GPS radio-collared animals to determine biologically relevant seasons. Then we examined the spatiotemporal similarity in habitat use between caribou groups and cougars across these seasons. This analysis included a control group of caribou from the donor herd that were not translocated. Five resident caribou seasons, two donor caribou seasons, and two cougar seasons were identified. Resident caribou remained at high elevations year-round and primarily selected habitats not used by cougars. In contrast, translocated caribou tended to occupy low-elevation habitats extensively used by cougars, resulting in predation of eight translocated caribou, six of which were by cougars. We concluded that the translocated caribou did not adopt the predator avoidance strategies of resident caribou, rendering them more vulnerable to predation. We make recommendations for future herd augmentations, notably that donor caribou should be of the same ecotype, have similar seasonal patterns of habitat use and associated behavioural repertoires, and be exposed to the same complex of predators.

scholarly journals Home range and habitat use of the Vulnerable Virginia northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus in the Central Appalachian Mountains, USA

Oryx ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Menzel ◽  
W. Mark Ford ◽  
John W. Edwards ◽  
Tamara M. Terry
Keyword(s):  
West Virginia ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Kernel Method ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Glaucomys Sabrinus ◽  
Ecosystem Research ◽  
Flying Squirrel ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Northern Flying Squirrel

The Virginia northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus is a Vulnerable sciurid that has experienced a 90% reduction of suitable high elevation boreal montane forest habitat over the last century in the central Appalachians of West Virginia and Virginia, USA. Using radiotelemetry and GIS analyses we examined the species' home range size and habitat use in the Monongahela National Forest, Kumbrabow State Forest and the MeadWestvaco Ecosystem Research Forest in West Virginia during the summers of 2000–2003. The mean home range sizes of male and female squirrels were 54.2 and 15.3 ha, respectively, based on the adaptive kernel method. Euclidean distance analysis indicated the squirrels used spruce, mixed spruce-northern hardwood, and open habitats more than was available across the landscape. Selection of spruce and mixed spruce-northern hardwood habitats indicates that forest management activities designed to restore and increase these types in the central Appalachian landscape are required to conserve and increase this Vulnerable species.

scholarly journals Seasonal Habitat Use and Movements of Mountain Goats, Oreamnos americanus, in East-central British Columbia

2003 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim G. Poole ◽  
Douglas C. Heard
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
East Central ◽  
Oreamnos Americanus ◽  
Mountain Goats ◽  
Mineral Licks ◽  
Forest Use

To identify the potential for adverse effects of forest development on Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus), we documented the patterns of forest use by goats and the factors influencing goat habitat use. We used a combination of 15 very high frequency (VHF) and six global positioning system (GPS) radiocollars to document the distribution and movements of 21 (15 female, 6 male) goats from 1997 to 1999 in the mountains surrounding the Robson Valley in east-central British Columbia. Because canopy closure reduces the likelihood that a GPS receiver will obtain a location fix, we estimated that GPS collars underrepresented forest use by about 23%. Three goats used separate winter and summer ranges separated by 8–13 km, while most simply exhibited seasonal shifts in elevation. In winter, goats were more often at lower elevations, in commercial forest stands, on southerly aspects, and moved less each hour and over the course of the winter. Goat use declined in areas >500 m from escape terrain and goats were found lower in elevation from evening to dawn compared to daylight hours. Collared goats used high elevation licks, which were either within their home range, or in two cases, 6 and 14 km from their typical home range. We documented use of known mid-elevation mineral licks by three collared goats, but no use of known low elevation (valley bottom and lower slopes) mineral licks. Robson Valley goats appeared to be at relatively low risk from disturbances related to logging, because although forest use was documented during winter, it occurred primarily on high elevation, steep slopes where trees are currently of low commercial value, and goats made little use of low elevation mineral licks. We recommend that in this area a forested buffer of 500 m around cliffs be left to reduce the possibility of adverse effects on goats especially, on southerly aspects above 1300 m.

Habitat selection and home-range dynamics of the Gaspé caribou: a hierarchical analysis

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (7) ◽  
pp. 1174-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaud Mosnier ◽  
Jean-Pierre Ouellet ◽  
Luc Sirois ◽  
Nelson Fournier
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Range Dynamics ◽  
Snow Conditions

We used several spatial and temporal scales to determine space and habitat use of the caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of the Gaspé Peninsula. Thirty-five radio-collared caribou were followed from November 1998 to April 2001. Habitat use was studied by superimposing radiolocations on ecoforestry maps using five predefined habitat types (deciduous, immature, mature spruce, mature fir, and barren). At a finer scale, we tracked caribou in forested areas during winter 2000 and 2001 in order to describe physical and biological characteristics of foraging tracks and used stands. Our results indicated that the distribution of caribou extended beyond the limits of Gaspé Conservation Park. Patterns of space use showed the existence of three groups, which formed a metapopulation. These groups consisted of spatially distinct units that used space and habitat differently. At the home-range level, caribou preferred barren areas found in alpine and subalpine zones at all times of the year. The most frequently used forested habitat type was the mature fir. At the finer scale of foraging tracks, caribou selected fir stands characterized by dense snow conditions and large diameter trees bearing greater quantities of lichen. Our results demonstrated the importance of protecting areas outside the park that are likely to become used or reused by caribou, and of managing these areas to increase settlement by caribou. Lastly, management plans must be adapted to each of the three groups forming this metapopulation.

Home Range and Habitat Use of Adult Female Moose

1988 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goran N. Cederlund ◽  
Henryk Okarma
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Adult Female

Habitat use by woodland caribou near Takla Lake in central British Columbia

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (9) ◽  
pp. 1552-1561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim G Poole ◽  
Douglas C Heard ◽  
Garth Mowat
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Satellite Image ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Winter Habitat ◽  
Risk Of Predation

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) living in the mountainous areas of British Columbia are usually classified as either northern caribou, which spend much of the winter in low-elevation relatively young forests foraging primarily on terrestrial lichens, or mountain caribou, which winter in high-elevation old subalpine forests foraging exclusively on arboreal lichens. The forest-management practices necessary to conserve caribou differ substantially between these two categories of animals with different life-history strategies. Because of this variability in winter-habitat use, information relating specifically to Takla Lake caribou was required for forest management. To provide this information, we radio-collared 15 female caribou in two subherds in the vicinity of Takla Lake and determined their distribution and movements between January 1996 and May 1998 in relation to topography and vegetation cover. Habitat selection was examined using a classified satellite image. At the landscape scale, Takla Lake caribou avoided low-elevation forests (presumably because of the associated high risk of predation from wolves (Canis lupus)), occupying small seasonally overlapping home ranges (mean 151 km2) at intermediate and high elevations. Within home ranges in all seasons, caribou were most often found in the forest but, relative to availability, they selected forests only during calving. When in the forest, caribou selected open hybrid white-Engelmann spruce (Picea glauca × Picea engelmannii) - subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) forests over lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and deciduous forests in all seasons except spring. Caribou selected open spruce-fir stands over dry and closed spruce-fir stands in all seasons except calving. We conclude that caribou feed primarily on arboreal lichens in winter, because the open spruce-fir forests that they use have moderate to high arboreal lichen abundance, deep snow, and few terrestrial lichens. Takla Lake caribou were not typical of either mountain or northern caribou, but as is typical of insular populations of any species, have adapted to the food, topography, and cover types available to them on their mountain islands in a sea of moose (Alces alces) and wolves.

Habitat use and phenology of the large insular endemic grasshopperAcrostira euphorbiae(Orthoptera: Pamphagidae)

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. López ◽  
M. Nogales ◽  
E. Morales ◽  
P. Oromí
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Canary Islands ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
La Palma ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Insular Endemic ◽  
Almost All

AbstractThe habitat use and the phenology of the large grasshopperAcrostira euphorbiaeGarcía & Oromí endemic to La Palma (Canary Islands) are studied. This grasshopper is entirely dependent on the Canarian endemic shrubEuphorbia lamarckiiboth for food and to avoid predation. Adults stay on subapical branches during the day, probably to reduce the risk of predation, and climb up to the apex at night to feed. While females seem to ensure the genetic diversity of offspring by waiting for visits by different males, the latter have to move to guarantee their reproductive success. Monophagy in this species may be related to the year-round presence of tender shoots, and to the predator-repellent toxic latex found in the host plant. Unlike related species from continental areas, adults and nymphs ofA. euphorbiaeare present almost all year round, probably in adaptation to the particular climate of the islands. Nymphs are more abundant in winter, whenEuphorbialeaves are most available. However, adults are more abundant than nymphs in spring, summer and autumn. Males develop more quickly than females, an apparent reproductive strategy based on achieving sexual maturity to coincide with females undergoing imaginal moulting. Matings start immediately after adult females emerge. Densities oscillated between 73 and 193 individuals ha−1, which can be considered a low value compared with other continental pamphagid species.

Factors limiting woodland caribou populations and their interrelationships with wolves and moose in southeastern British Columbia

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 1494-1503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale R. Seip
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Adult Mortality ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Wolf Predation ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Calf Survival

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), wolves (Canis lupus), and moose (Alces alces) were radio-collared and monitored in two areas of southeastern British Columbia to determine predator–prey interactions. Throughout the year, wolves and moose used similar areas and habitats, and moose were the primary prey of wolves. In winter most caribou used high-elevation habitats and were spatially separated from wolves and moose living in valley bottoms. In summer, caribou, wolves, and moose at Quesnel Lake used similar areas and habitats, whereas in Wells Gray Park most caribou migrated to rugged, mountainous areas, which kept them spatially separated from wolves and moose. The Quesnel Lake caribou population had a high adult mortality rate (29%/year), wolf predation being the major cause. Calf survival to October was low (2.5/100 adult females) when wolves were present and uncontrolled in the area, but was significantly greater (39/100 adult females) when wolves were reduced or absent. The Quesnel Lake caribou population was found to be declining by about 25%/year, and wolf predation appeared to be the major limiting factor. Caribou in Wells Gray Park had a low adult mortality rate (8%/year) and comparatively high calf survival to October (37/100 adult females). The Wells Gray caribou population was found to be slowly increasing, apparently because its migratory behavior kept it separated from wolves and moose throughout the year, resulting in low wolf predation on the caribou.

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