An integrated assessment of Porcupine caribou seasonal distribution, movements, and habitat preferences for regional land use planning in northern Yukon Territory, Canada

John L Ryder,Shawn R Francis,Don Russell,Jeff Hamm,Philippa Mcneil,Wendy A Nixon

doi:10.7557/2.27.4.353

Abstract

This study was undertaken to improve understanding of Porcupine caribou herd distribution, movements, and habitat preferences to assist with developing a regional land use plan for the North Yukon Planning Region, Yukon Territory. Three different methods were used to identify current and historical patterns of caribou distribution and habitat preferences within the region to prioritize conservation areas. Two of the approaches focused on incorporating information on caribou distribution and migrations from scientific and local knowledge, while the third focused on identifying and mapping habitats suitable for supporting caribou. Local knowledge dating back to the 1930s and two decades of satellite telemetry data confirmed that most of the planning region is used by the Porcupine caribou herd and highlighted areas of concentrated use. Maps of suitable winter habitat derived from expert opinion ratings of habitat use did not agree with the other information sources. The local knowledge and satellite telemetry analyses were used to identify spatially explicit priority areas for caribou conservation and the results were applied to develop conservation recommendations for a draft regional land use plan. The plan will be submitted to government approval bodies for review in the spring of 2007. The success in implementing conservation strategies for the Porcupine caribou herd will be reviewed and evaluated following adoption of a final approved plan.

Highlights

To fulfill its land use planning mandate under the terms of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Final Agreement (Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, 1993), the North Yukon Planning Commission (NYPC) must develop and recommend a draft regional land use plan for the North Yukon Planning Region by the spring of 2007
The satellite telemetry data confirmed that the Porcupine caribou herd uses the North Yukon Planning Region extensively
The concentrated use areas occupied a total area of 19 224 km2, representing approximately 35% of the total planning region area

Summary

Introduction

To fulfill its land use planning mandate under the terms of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) Final Agreement (Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, 1993), the North Yukon Planning Commission (NYPC) must develop and recommend a draft regional land use plan for the North Yukon Planning Region by the spring of 2007. Are five general guiding principles that the Commission must follow during plan production: 1) recognize and promote the cultural values of Yukon Indian people, 2) promote and ensure sustainable development, 3) integrate decision-making, 4) recommend measures to minimize land-use conflicts, and 5) consider scientific and traditional (local) knowledge of resources . This study was undertaken to achieve three objectives: 1) to integrate and compare various sources of data on caribou distribution to identify spatial patterns in seasonal habitat use, and presence/arrangement of suitable habitat, 2) to identify areas of conservation priority for caribou, and 3) to apply the information to develop and recommend conservation strategies in a draft regional land use plan, with emphasis on mitigation and management of potential cumulative impacts to caribou

Material and methods

Results

Discussion