Jasper National Park Research Articles

Genetic influences on male and female variance in reproductive success and implications for the recovery of severely endangered mountain caribou

Small and declining populations of large mammals are vulnerable to stochastic events and can be at high risk of extinction. Population viability is also susceptible to the detrimental effects of low genetic diversity and inbreeding. The objective of this study was to do an assessment of three endangered caribou subpopulations using non-invasive genetic sampling to assess demographic population changes by combining capture-recapture modeling, familial pedigree networks, individual fitness and inbreeding coefficients. Three subpopulations of the Central Mountain caribou ecotype (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Jasper National Park, Canada, were systematically surveyed over a 10-year period and fecal samples collected for DNA analyses. For the Tonquin, population size declined at a rate of 0.86 (95% CI 0.82, 0.91), the number of females decreased from 41 in 2006 to only 14 in 2015. The Brazeau and Maligne subpopulations also declined over the same period, from 22 to 11 individuals (11 and 5 females) in 2006, to 12 and 3 individuals (6 and 1 females) in 2015. The pedigree network confirmed limited interbreeding among subpopulations, varied fitness levels in both males and females, and evidence of inbreeding avoidance among high-fitness individuals. All population parameters pointed to a rapid population decline and low population sizes, putting them at high risk of extinction. The varying reproductive fitness observed amongst males and females was significant and should be considered in future population augmentation or reintroduction efforts. Improved connectivity among and with neighbouring subpopulations should also be considered to sustain or enhance genetic diversity.

Mule Deer, White-Tailed Deer, and Wolves in Jasper National Park, Alberta: 35 Years of Sightings, 1981–2016

On the basis of annual observations collected over 35 y, we chronicled the trends in abundance of Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in semi-open montane habitat in the Devona district of Jasper National Park (JNP), Alberta, 1981–2016. During 722 d of observations conducted in winter over this period, we recorded a decline in Mule Deer and the incursion of White-tailed Deer into the park. Of a total of 429 deer sighted, White-tailed Deer increased from an average of 0.08 sightings/d to 0.73/d, whereas the native Mule Deer declined from 0.42 sightings/d to 0.01/d. Over the same time span, sightings of all deer increased from 0.51/d to 0.74/d. Although the ultimate cause of the opposing population trends of the 2 deer species is not certain, we review the proximate causes discussed in relevant literature, and we compare the results of our census to a list of deer killed by vehicle collisions on JNP roads and highways. As a measure of the presence of Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in the study area, we recorded the largest size of wolf packs sighted each year and found no trend over time. The question of whether wolf predation on the 2 deer species could account for their opposing population trends remains to be investigated.

Evaluation of the SNOWPACK model’s metamorphism and microstructure in Canada: a case study

ABSTRACTThe snow thermodynamic multi-layer model SNOWPACK was developed to address the risk of avalanches by simulating the vertical properties of snow. Risk and stability assessments are based on the simulation of the vertical variability of snow microstructure, as well as on snow cohesion parameters. Previous research has shown systematic error in grain size simulations (equivalent optical grain size) over several areas in northern Canada. To quantify the simulated errors in snow grain size and uncertainties in stability, the snow specific surface area (SSA) was measured with a laser-based instrument. Optical grain size was retrieved to validate the optical equivalent grain radius from SNOWPACK. The two study plots are located in Glacier National Park, BC, and Jasper National Park, AB, Canada. Profiles for density and stratigraphic analysis were obtained as well as grain size profiles, combined with snow micropenetrometer (SMP) measurements. Density analysis showed good agreement with the simulated values (R2 = 0.76). Optical grain size analysis showed systematic overestimation of the modeled values, in agreement with the current literature. The error in SSA evolution for a rounding environment was mostly constant, whereas error for conditions driven by a temperature gradient was linked to the size of the facetted grains.

ROCKS, RIDGES, AND RIVERS: Geological Wonders of Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. A Roadside Tour Guide

ROCKS, RIDGES, AND RIVERS: Geological Wonders of Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. A Roadside Tour Guide

Can predators have a big impact on carbon emissions calculations?

Models suggest that predators and even biodiversity in general play a potentially significant role in carbon sequestration. But whether such results buttress conservation arguments remains a matter of debate. Gray wolves lie at the heart of vigorous debate about the costs and benefits of conservation. But they also might inform another ongoing debate: the pace and projections for atmospheric CO2 accumulation in a warming world. Wolf kills may indirectly affect woody-plant abundance by having an impact on the number of plant-eating prey. Here, a wolf at Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, stands over an elk carcass. Image courtesy of Mark Bradley (Boreal Nature Photos). Ecologists are venturing into a new field of inquiry as they attempt to estimate how populations of predators affect atmospheric carbon levels. It turns out that losing wildlife could mean losing an important mechanism of carbon sequestration. Wolves and other predators generally affect carbon sequestration indirectly, by controlling the abundance of plants. For instance, when a wolf kills a moose, the moose no longer consumes woody plants, thus indirectly increasing woody plant abundance (1). Carbon accumulated in a plant remains sequestered throughout the plant’s lifetime and perhaps longer if it ultimately turns into coal or oil (2). In another well studied example, sea otters, by controlling the sea urchin population, indirectly allow for more carbon-storing kelp, a food source for the urchins (3). And predation is not the only way that animals mediate carbon storage. Ecologists recently found that the amount of diversity in an ecosystem is itself linked to increased amounts of carbon storage (4). The result of such dynamics, say those conducting these studies: an estimated tens of millions of metric tons of carbon stored. These carbon-storage calculations, though, represent extrapolations of baseline densities observed in modern times and applied …

Human influences superseded climate to disrupt the 20th century fire regime in Jasper National Park, Canada

To enhance understanding of how climate and humans influenced historical fire occurrence in the montane forests of Jasper National Park, we crossdated fire-scar and tree age samples from 172 plots. We tested effects of drought and climatic variation driven by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific North American (PNA) pattern on fire occurrence. We also tested whether local droughts were associated with ENSO, PNA, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. We used a combination of instrumental and proxy-climate records to test whether climatic variation explained the absence of fire scars in our study area during the 20th century. From 1646 to 1915, 18 fires burned mainly during drier than average years. Drought years, but not fire years, were associated with positive ENSO and PNA indices, corresponding to warmer conditions with reduced snowpacks. Fire frequency varied through time, although no fire scars have formed since 1915. Potential recording trees present at all plots and climate conducive to fire over multiple years provide evidence that human influences superseded climatic variation to explain the lack of fire scars during the 20th century. Fire suppression significantly altered the fire regime after the formation of Jasper National Park, justifying the ongoing mechanical fuel treatments, prescribed and managed wildfires to improve forest resilience to climate change.

The role of human outdoor recreation in shaping patterns of grizzly bear-black bear co-occurrence.

Species’ distributions are influenced by a combination of landscape variables and biotic interactions with other species, including people. Grizzly bears and black bears are sympatric, competing omnivores that also share habitats with human recreationists. By adapting models for multi-species occupancy analysis, we analyzed trail camera data from 192 trail camera locations in and around Jasper National Park, Canada to estimate grizzly bear and black bear occurrence and intensity of trail use. We documented (a) occurrence of grizzly bears and black bears relative to habitat variables (b) occurrence and intensity of use relative to competing bear species and motorised and non-motorised recreational activity, and (c) temporal overlap in activity patterns among the two bear species and recreationists. Grizzly bears were spatially separated from black bears, selecting higher elevations and locations farther from roads. Both species co-occurred with motorised and non-motorised recreation, however, grizzly bears reduced their intensity of use of sites with motorised recreation present. Black bears showed higher temporal activity overlap with recreational activity than grizzly bears, however differences in bear daily activity patterns between sites with and without motorised and non-motorised recreation were not significant. Reduced intensity of use by grizzly bears of sites where motorised recreation was present is a concern given off-road recreation is becoming increasingly popular in North America, and can negatively influence grizzly bear recovery by reducing foraging opportunities near or on trails. Camera traps and multi-species occurrence models offer non-invasive methods for identifying how habitat use by animals changes relative to sympatric species, including humans. These conclusions emphasise the need for integrated land-use planning, access management, and grizzly bear conservation efforts to consider the implications of continued access for motorised recreation in areas occupied by grizzly bears.

Where did mountain pine beetle populations in Jasper Park come from? Tracking beetles with genetics

The invasion of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) into Alberta has been an ongoing concern for forest management. The beetle’s recent appearance and spread in Jasper National Park now poses ecological and economic threats to forestry in regions to the east. By applying recent advances in genetic typing and analysis, we show that the beetle population in Jasper is comprised of mixed individuals combining genetic signatures of both northern and southern beetles. Coupled with current monitoring methods, genetic markers can be used to identify the origin of novel populations, facilitate precise monitoring of beetle expansion and potentially inform targeted management strategies.

Austerity Politics and the Post-Politicisation of Conservation Governance in Canada

Several notable controversies around private sector interests in national parks throughout Canada have erupted within the last five years. These controversies are arising within the context of budget cuts to Parks Canada and related imperatives to increase visitor numbers and 'visitor experience' to recoup costs and strengthen public support for Canadian parks. While the majority of the literature on the neoliberalisation of conservation focuses on its socio-environmental implications, this research highlights some important political implications of the increasing role of private interests in conservation practice due to state level austerity politics. This article outlines the post-politics of public consultation in Jasper National Park through a study of two public contestations around private tourism development in the park. I argue that austerity politics create the conditions for a re-articulation of the politics of conservation governance as the interests of parks departments and private sector interests are brought into alignment. Austerity-related restructuring of conservation practice elevates the importance of public-private partnerships for sustaining the viability of the park system, contributing to the construction of a post-political 'there is no alternative' discourse where neoliberal ideology in conservation is elevated beyond critique. To facilitate development, managers employ various strategies to reduce democratic oversight of public provisioning, removing opportunities for political debate and dissensus and orchestrating the appearance of consensual decision-making.

“The End of the Ice Age?”: Disappearing World Heritage and the Climate Change Communication Imperative

ABSTRACTRapid environmental change in vulnerable destinations has stimulated a new form of travel termed “last chance tourism” (LCT). Studies have examined the risks of LCT, while leaving potential opportunities within this new tourism market largely underexplored. Results of survey (n = 399) research in Jasper National Park, Canada reveal that a LCT motivation influences decisions to visit this iconic Canadian destination, and suggest that this motivation is linked to a desire to learn about the impacts of climate change on the Athabasca Glacier. Findings suggest there may be short to medium term opportunities associated with LCT, including promoting climate change ambassadorship through management interventions. This paper discusses a range of possible education, interpretive, and outreach activities that might be employed at LCT destinations. It outlines the relative merits (or what we refer to as “uneasy benefits”) of promoting the glacier and other LCT destinations within a protected areas management and climate change adaptation context.

Tourism operators’ perspectives of environmental supply of guided tours in national parks

Environmental supply is a concept that links tourism demand to the sustainability of park offerings of natural features, physical attributes, management initiatives and/or governance policies that influence environmental conservation and protection of ecological and cultural environments. This study presents results of commercial tour operator's perspectives of environmental supply in two highly used Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks. Understanding of environmental supply, from a commercial stakeholder perspective, contributes positively to park management actions regarding commercial visitor activities and behaviours in protected national areas. Tour operators must supply quality visitor experiences while operating within a different policy environment than required by other tourism operators providing guided tours outside of park boundaries. This paper includes the results of a four-stage mixed methodology including one-on-one field interviews and surveys targeting commercial tour guiding businesses operating within Banff and Jasper national parks from 2011 through 2015. Each interview included formal questions, ranging from a description of the types of activities included during tours to actual or perceived limitations placed on operations due to managers’ considerations about environmental supply. Results presented are from the final 2015 study, reflecting 17 randomly sampled formal interviews and 41 completed on-line surveys with representatives of tour companies operating within Banff or Jasper national parks; this equates to a useable return rate of 43.6%. Both qualitative and quantitative results are discussed and grouped for presentation. Management implicationsResearch informs decision making by providing the following:1.Understanding of how tourism operators perceive their roles and abilities and how these relate to creating a quality visitor experience, a sustainable business and assurance for the conservation of natural resources within a protected park environment;2.Understanding of the concept of environmental supply and identifying which characteristics of environmental supply are important for guided tour operators who are attempting to meet park environmental management standards while also meeting commercial tourism demands;3.Identification of possible ‘weak links’ or informational gaps in a government agency's process-driven approach to managing tours and guided recreational activities in national parks; and4.Demonstration of the value of social science research in illuminating the link between practice and policy as it relates to tourism and environment for protected areas.

Future streamflow simulation in a snow-dominated Rocky Mountain headwater catchment

Abstract The Rocky Mountains in North America are comprised of headwater snow catchments that provide sustained seasonal flow downstream. Changes in streamflow over the last half century in these basins may be associated with changing climate with increased temperature and variable precipitation, shifting seasonal hydrology. We investigated potential changes in future hydrology in a Rocky Mountain headwater catchment by simulating water budgets of the Athabasca River located in Jasper National Park, Canada. Potential hydrologic changes were predicted using a calibrated version of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Future discharge and other parts of the catchment water budget were projected based on the global circulation model (GCM) derived from the Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES) for the latter part of the century (2081–2099). A projected decrease in future precipitation resulted in reduced mean annual streamflow, by up to 86%, compared to the baseline period for the catchment. Projected summer streamflow decreased from 58 to 39%. Streamflow increased from 13 to 26% during the spring, dampening the dominance of summer peak-flow hydrology. Colder winters for the future scenarios increase the overall proportion of precipitation as winter snowfall. However, dramatically lower precipitation estimated for this basin will drive water limits for the future.

Fecal DNA, hormones, and pellet morphometrics as a noninvasive method to estimate age class: an application to wild populations of Central Mountain and Boreal woodland caribou (Rangifertaranduscaribou)

Determining age structure of populations is a valuable parameter in wildlife management, but is often difficult to obtain. Here, we tested a noninvasive method via fecal DNA, hormones, and pellet morphometrics to distinguish calf from adult in Central Mountain and Boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) populations. Annual surveys of fall-sampled Central Mountain caribou were done in Jasper National Park, Alberta, between 2006 and 2011 and winter-sampled Boreal caribou were surveyed in the North Interlake area, Manitoba, between 2004 and 2010. Samples were amplified at 10 microsatellite loci to identify unique individuals and capture histories were used to identify putative calves and adults. Fecal pellets were measured for length, width, depth, dry mass, and analyzed for progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone concentrations. Results showed significant differences in fecal pellet size between putative calves and adults for both sexes and populations–seasons. Progesterone concentration was significantly higher in Jasper–fall and North Interlake–winter adult females. Testosterone was significantly higher in Jasper–fall adult males. North Interlake–winter males exhibited no significant difference in hormone concentrations between age classes. When applied to the entire Jasper data set, 98% of females and 88% of males were assigned to an age class. This study illustrates the possibilities of using noninvasive methods to determine an age class in wild ungulate populations.

Determinants of fire activity during the last 3500 yr at a wildland–urban interface, Alberta, Canada

Long-term records of wildfires and their controlling factors are important sources of information for informing land management practices. Here, dendrochronology and lake sediment analyses are used to develop a 3500-yr fire and vegetation history for a montane forest in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. The tree-ring record (AD 1771–2012) indicates that this region historically experienced a mixed-severity fire regime, and that effective fire suppression excluded widespread fire events from the study area during the 20th century. A sediment core collected from Little Trefoil Lake, located near the Jasper townsite, is analyzed for subfossil pollen and macroscopic charcoal (>150 μm). When comparing the tree-ring record to the 3500-yr record of sediment-derived fire events, only high-severity fires are represented in the charcoal record. Comparisons between the charcoal record and historical climate and pollen data indicate that climate and vegetation composition have been important controls on the fire regime for most of the last 3500 yr. Although fire frequency is presently within the historical range of variability, the fire return interval of the last 150 yr is longer than expected given modern climate and vegetation conditions, indicating that humans have become the main control on fire activity around Little Trefoil Lake.

Understanding consumer behaviour and adaptation planning responses to climate-driven environmental change in Canada's parks and protected areas: a climate futurescapes approach

Parks and protected areas are a global ecological, social and health resource visited by over 8 billion people annually. Their use can yield substantial benefits, but only if a balance between ecological integrity and sustainable visitation is struck. This research explores the potential influence of climate-driven environmental change on visitation to North America's most popular glacier, the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, Canada. Photorealistic environmental visualizations were used to gauge visitors’ perceptions of environmental change and potential impacts on consumer behaviour. Results suggest that impacts could substantially diminish the site's pull as a tourism destination. Rather than improving visitation prospects, expert-proposed adaptations underestimated the importance of perceived naturalness and contributed to further potential decline. Findings are relevant to protected areas planning and management. They suggest that a natural path to climate change adaptation is the best way to support both ecological integrity and the long-term tourism pull of protected areas.

Lateral posture biases, habituation, and risk monitoring by wild ungulates

ABSTRACTIn protected areas, wildlife may lose their fear of humans, and prey species may use human-disturbed areas to escape natural predators. Lateral bedding posture bias may reflect difference in monitoring and these changing patterns of risk stimuli. I studied wild elk in Banff and Jasper National Parks, Canada, where habituated animals enter into conflicts with humans, abandon migration, and negatively affect entire ecosystems. I recorded lateral bedding postures and lateral differences in detection distances when elk were approached. Elk had leftward posture biases when facing away from the herd toward the presumptive direction of potential predation, but had rightward biases when facing towards conspecifics. I found migratory elk had stronger lateral biases than elk residing year-round near humans. These results show lateral posture biases are context dependent on risk, and as these risks change, lateral biases change as well. These results provide important insights for the management of prey species subject to changing patterns of predation and human disturbance, and contribute to our growing understanding of the ecological implications of laterality in wild species.

“They could take you out for coffee and call it consultation!”: The colonial antipolitics of Indigenous consultation in Jasper National Park

Although Canada has been applauded for its co-management arrangements in recently established national parks, it continues to struggle with its legacy of colonial dispossession of Indigenous peoples, especially in its older and more iconic parks. First Nations were evicted from the earliest parks such as Banff and Jasper in a process of colonial territorialization that facilitated a “wilderness” model of park management and made space for capitalist enterprises like sport hunting and tourism. In Jasper National Park today, private tourism development proposals trigger a duty to consult with nations whose Aboriginal or Treaty rights may be impacted by development. In the last few decades, Jasper has made strides toward “reconciliation” including forming the Jasper Aboriginal Forum in an attempt to improve consultation with First Nations. I argue that Jasper’s approach to reconciliation and consultation reproduces and further entrenches unequal colonial–capitalist power dynamics, relying on antipolitical strategies to produce the appearance of inclusion and to naturalize the park’s ultimate decision-making authority in First Nations’ traditional territories. Park management attempts to incorporate First Nations’ input and certain “cultural” rights into existing state-led science-based management structures while leaving the legitimacy and justness of those structures unquestioned. As a result, Jasper’s approach to consultation obscures the ongoing neocolonial political and economic violence of alienating First Nations from their land bases and consequently reinforces existing inequalities. Ultimately, I argue that this antipolitical approach facilitates tourism development projects that benefit government and industry and not Indigenous communities.

Altered mixed-severity fire regime has homogenised montane forests of Jasper National Park

Fire suppression has altered the historical mixed-severity fire regime and homogenised forest structures in Jasper National Park, Canada. We used dendrochronology to reconstruct fire history and assess forest dynamics at 29 sites in the montane forests. Based on fire scars and even-aged post-fire cohorts, we determined 18 sites had mixed-severity fire histories through time, and 11 sites had evidence of high-severity fires only – yielding a mixed-severity fire regime for the study area. Lodgepole pine, hybrid spruce and Douglas-fir established simultaneously after low- and high-severity fires. Regardless of fire history, forest canopies were mixed in composition and subcanopies were strongly dominated by shade-tolerant hybrid spruce. Despite their size, subcanopy trees were similar in age to the canopy trees. Current stand composition and age structures largely reflect the effects of high-severity fires that burned ~110 years ago at 18 of 29 sites. In the absence of fires after 1905, forests have matured simultaneously, homogenising the landscape and resulting in forest structures that are more conducive to high-severity fire than are fires of a range of severities. Proactive fire management is justified to restore fire as a vital ecological process and promote forest resilience by countering the effects of a century of fire suppression.

Corrigendum to: Altered mixed-severity fire regime has homogenised montane forests of Jasper National Park

Fire suppression has altered the historical mixed-severity fire regime and homogenised forest structures in Jasper National Park, Canada. We used dendrochronology to reconstruct fire history and assess forest dynamics at 29 sites in the montane forests. Based on fire scars and even-aged post-fire cohorts, we determined 18 sites had mixed-severity fire histories through time, and 11 sites had evidence of high-severity fires only – yielding a mixed-severity fire regime for the study area. Lodgepole pine, hybrid spruce and Douglas-fir established simultaneously after low- and high-severity fires. Regardless of fire history, forest canopies were mixed in composition and subcanopies were strongly dominated by shade-tolerant hybrid spruce. Despite their size, subcanopy trees were similar in age to the canopy trees. Current stand composition and age structures largely reflect the effects of high-severity fires that burned ~110 years ago at 18 of 29 sites. In the absence of fires after 1905, forests have matured simultaneously, homogenising the landscape and resulting in forest structures that are more conducive to high-severity fire than are fires of a range of severities. Proactive fire management is justified to restore fire as a vital ecological process and promote forest resilience by countering the effects of a century of fire suppression.

Space use analyses suggest avoidance of a ski area by mountain goats

The development of recreational activities imposes growing anthropogenic pressure on wilderness areas worldwide. Because anthropogenic disturbances may modify wildlife use of habitat, space use studies may be useful to identify wildlife response to recreational activities. Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances and are thus likely to modify their space use in response to recreational activities. From 2011 to 2013, we studied space use of mountain goats in Jasper National Park, Canada, one of the most popular wilderness areas in North America, and assessed how it was influenced by an alpine ski area. Comparison of predicted use from habitat selection models and observed use defined by global positioning system collar data revealed ski area avoidance. The immediate surroundings of the ski area were, however, not avoided by mountain goats, but the presence of a natural salt lick <1 km from the ski area may have contributed to the observed mountain goat use of these areas. Ski activities have the potential to exclude mountain goats from habitat with otherwise high probability of use. Thus, we recommend that future ski area developments generally consider the behavior of species sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances and that construction should not occur in habitat essential for sensitive species like mountain goats. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.