Modeling and Management of Potential Movement for Elk (Cervus Elaphus), Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis) and Grizzly Bear (Ursus Arctos) in the Radium Hot Springs Area, British Columbia

Abstract

I delineated potential movement corridors for elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) using a GIS-based modeling approach. This approach incorporated current modeling techniques complemented by site-specific knowledge of wildlife use acquired through an extensive review of the literature, key informant interviews and personal observations in the field. My analysis led to the identification of 18 potential corridors for elk and/or grizzly bear and 12 potential corridors for bighorn sheep. Three corridors stand out as being particularly important for ensuring connectivity on a regional scale, for multiple species. The Upper Luxor Creek Corridor provides the only low elevation, forested linkage between the Kootenay and Columbia drainages within the study area that is relatively secure from human disturbance. The Upper Benchlands Corridor offers a high quality corridor for movements along the Columbia Valley and, because of its width and gentle topography, is probably suitable for a wide variety of species. This corridor is of particular significance because it provides a safe route for animals traveling between the Columbia Valley and Kootenay National Park via the Lower Sinclair Creek Corridor. The Lower Sinclair Creek Corridor represents another important low-elevation forested linkage between the Columbia and Kootenay Valleys. Empirical data and anecdotal observations demonstrate movement of bighorn sheep, elk, wolf and cougar through this corridor. The main issues threatening habitat connectivity in the Radium area are increasing recreational and residential development, blockage of movement and mortality associated with transportation corridors, and a lack of coordinated regional planning. General recommendations aimed at preserving a functional network of corridors across the greater Radium landscape include the formation of a sub-regional ecosystem advisory committee, the formation of a sustainable economy committee, the establishment of an inter-jurisdictional wildlife database and more extensive monitoring of wildlife movements. I also provide specific recommendations relating to each of the focal species as well as to each potential corridor identified. Recommendations for future research and management are also presented.