Abstract
Winter habitat use was compared between two mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations in British Columbia. Regional differences were apparent during November and December. Radio-collared caribou inhabiting the gentle plateaus of the northern Cariboo Mountains, near Prince George, B.C. primarily used mid-elevation balsam-spruce stands on moderate slopes (<30%). In contrast, radio-collared caribou in the North Columbia Mountains, near Revelstoke, B.C. used low elevation hemlock-cedar stands and relatively steeper slopes (>30%). To adequately address habitat requirements of caribou, forest management plans should incorporate varying regional and seasonal habitat use patterns. Hypotheses on observed differences in habitat use are discussed.
Highlights
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) that feed on arboreal lichens in winter have been identified as an old-growth dependent species
Winter habitat use was compared between twomountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations i n British Columbia
Because arboreal lichens (Bryoria spp. and Alectoria sarmentosa) are used by caribou as winter forage and are most abundant on mature trees, clear-cut harvesting o f mature high-elevation forests has been perceived as incompatible w i t h maintaining winter habitat and caribou populations (Stevenson & Hatler, 1985)
Summary
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) that feed on arboreal lichens in winter have been identified as an old-growth dependent species Because arboreal lichens (Bryoria spp. and Alectoria sarmentosa) are used by caribou as winter forage and are most abundant on mature trees, clear-cut harvesting o f mature high-elevation forests has been perceived as incompatible w i t h maintaining winter habitat and caribou populations (Stevenson & Hatler, 1985). The early winter period (Nov-Dec) may be a critical period because oflow forage availability. During these months the majority o f arboreal lichens accessible to caribou are found o n windfallen trees and as litterfall (Simpson & Woods, 1987; Rominger & Oldemeyer, 1989). Clear-cut harvesting o f mature low-elevation forests that grow o n very productive sites may be incompatible with maintaining winter habitat for caribou because these closed canopy stands provide reduced snow depths and accessible understory vegetation
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