Abstract
Many factors influence the abundance of migratory tundra caribou (Rangifer tarandus). To understand their interactions with caribou abundance, we need to quantify these factors. In this study, we documented the changes in habitat conditions during winter and pre-calving migration for the Bathurst Caribou herd, using remote sensing data and ground measurements. We found there was a significant decrease in forest area which has abundant lichen, the main caribou winter diet, during recent decades due to increase in burned area, which in turn was positively correlated with summer temperature. For winter forage accessibility, we examined the annual maximum snow depth and mean ice content in snow (ICIS). There was a significant increase in ICIS during 1963–2006, but no trend in the maximum snow depth. During the pre-calving migration, the percent snow cover showed large inter-annual variations but no significant trend.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.