Abstract
Abstract The Peary caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi is an unique subspecies confined almost entirely to the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The decline of the population by 89% on the western Queen Elizabeth Islands between 1961 and 1974 has continued until at least 1977. The decline was principally caused by climatic changes but Peary caribou are potentially under additional pressure from hunting and disturbances associated with increasing industrial activities. We believe there are only 10–15,000 Peary caribou in Canada, and the subspieces was classified as ‘Threatened’ in 1979. The population dynamics of Peary caribou are unique among North American ungulates because weather, especially winter weather, dominates not only the reproductive rate but also recruitment and adult survival. The inter-island movements are a significant adaptation not only to sparse ranges and snow conditions, but also to recolonisation of islands that periodically, through a series of severe winters, lose their caribou.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
