Abstract
Recent research has shown that woodland caribou in Saskatchewan exist as relatively separate populations within a metapopulation. Preliminary analyses show that individuals within all populations are selecting peatland habitat types (i.e., fens and bogs) throughout the year. Despite an absence of hunting, populations south of the Precambrian shield appear to be declining slowly, while those on the southern margin of the shield may be declining more rapidly. The apparent population decline is likely due to high rates of predation, especially on neonates. To maintain viable caribou populations in the region, forestry operations must be managed to maintain adequate amounts of preferred habitat types and connections among populations. At a coarse scale, preferred habitat is that which acts as a refuge from predators. Additional information is required to categorize specific peatland types, as data in the existing provincial forest inventory are inadequate for both selection analysis and management purposes. Ongoing research into revisions to the forest inventory and analyses of bog and fen types selected by caribou are needed to focus future management strategies.
Highlights
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Saskatchewan range from the southern limits of the ranges occupied by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds to the southern margin of the boreal forest (Fig. 1)
Rock (1992) concluded that most human impacts on caribou habitat in Saskatchewan have been restricted to the area south of the Churchill River, in the area south of the Precambrian shield that contains the province's commercial forestry operations (Fig. 1)
Demography Caribou in central Saskatchewan are segregated into several populations with few interactions among individuals from differenr populations (Rettie & Messier, in press)
Summary
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Saskatchewan range from the southern limits of the ranges occupied by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds to the southern margin of the boreal forest (Fig. 1). Kelsall (1984) estimated the provincial population at 2500 animals (ca. 0.01 caribou-km2) and Edmonds (1991) considered all woodland caribou in the province to belong to the boreal ecotype. Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Saskatchewan range from the southern limits of the ranges occupied by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds to the southern margin of the boreal forest (Fig. 1). Wolves have been observed preying upon caribou throughout the region, moose and whitetailed deer have been thought to be more common prey (Ruttan, I960; Trottier, 1986). Special Issue No 10, 1998 ting (Trottier, 1986) and the end of sport hunting should have produced an increase in the caribou population in the absence of major limiting effects of food shortage, disease, or predation. Rock (1992) speculated that the northern portion of the region was likely to contain the best remaining caribou range based on a history of limited logging activity and his assessment of the quality of the available habitat types in the area. Special Issue No 10, 1998 ting (Trottier, 1986) and the end of sport hunting should have produced an increase in the caribou population in the absence of major limiting effects of food shortage, disease, or predation. Rock (1992) speculated that the northern portion of the region was likely to contain the best remaining caribou range based on a history of limited logging activity and his assessment of the quality of the available habitat types in the area. Edmonds (1991) suggested that the required information on caribou in Saskatchewan should include a provincial caribou inventory and the acquisition of data on the size and status of various herds, as well as the delineation of caribou range
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