Effects of forest disturbance on density, space use, and mortality of woodland caribou

Courtois, Réhaume; Ouellet, Jean‐Pierre; Breton, Laůrier; Gingras, André; Dussault, Christian

doi:10.2980/1195-6860(2007)14[491:eofdod]2.0.co;2

Cited by 93 publications

(127 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Pinard et al (2012) estimated the calving rate at approximately 80% between 2004 and 2007. They reported that this was a similar rate to those observed elsewhere in the continuous caribou range of Québec (e.g., Courtois et al, 2007) and consequently discarded this hypothesis.…”

Section: Population Intrinsic Hypothesessupporting

confidence: 79%

The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

St‐Laurent

Dussault

2012

Ran

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Boreal caribou were extirpated from the Charlevoix region (Québec) in the 1920s because of hunting and poaching. In 1965, the Québec government initiated a caribou reintroduction program in Charlevoix. During the winters of 1966 and 1967, a total of 48 boreal caribou were captured, translocated by plane, and released within enclosures; only their offspring (82 individuals) were released in the wild. Between 1967 and 1980, a wolf control program was applied to support caribou population growth. The caribou population, however, remained relatively stable at 45-55 individuals during this period. During the 1980s, the population grew slowly at a rate of approximately 5% each year to reach a peak of 126 individuals in 1992. At that time, Bergerud & Mercer (1989) reported that the Charlevoix experiment was the only successful attempt at caribou reintroduction in the presence of predators (in North America). Afterwards, the population declined and since then it has been relatively stable at about 80 individuals. Here we reviewed the literature regarding the ecology and population dynamics of the Charlevoix caribou herd since its reintroduction, in an attempt to critically assess the value of reintroduction as a conservation tool for this species. Indeed, the Charlevoix caribou herd is now considered at very high risk of extinction mostly because of its small size, its isolation from other caribou populations, and low recruitment. The Charlevoix region has been heavily impacted by forestry activities since the early 1980s. Recent studies have indicated that these habitat modifications may have benefited populations of wolves and black bears-two predators of caribou-and that caribou range fidelity may have exposed caribou to higher predation risk via maladaptive habitat selection. As females are ageing, and females and calves suffer high predation pressure from wolves and bears respectively, we suggest that the future of this reintroduced herd is in question and that they are facing a high probability of extinction in the near future if further action is not taken.

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Section: Population Intrinsic Hypothesessupporting

confidence: 79%

The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

St‐Laurent

Dussault

2012

Ran

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show abstract

“…In the Mackenzie Mountains, caribou display much smaller scale seasonal migrations between valley bottoms and alpine plateaus (Gullickson and Manseau 2000, Polfus et al 2011, Letts et al 2012. Throughout the boreal forest, boreal woodland caribou exhibit sedentary behavior and occur in small groups of ~5-15 individuals (Stuart-Smith et al 1997, O'Brien et al 2006, Brown et al 2007, Courtois et al 2007). Data on the boundaries and degree of differentiation between these caribou types is currently limited.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Łeghágots'enetę (learning together): the importance of indigenous perspectives in the identification of biological variation

Polfus¹,

Manseau²,

Simmons³

et al. 2016

E&S

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. 2016. Łeghaǵots'enetę (learning together): the importance of indigenous perspectives in the identification of biological variation. Ecology and Society 21 (2) ABSTRACT. Using multiple knowledge sources to interpret patterns of biodiversity can generate the comprehensive species characterizations that are required for effective conservation strategies. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) display substantial intraspecific variation across their distribution and in the Sahtú Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, three caribou types, each with a different conservation status, co-occur. Caribou are essential to the economies, culture, and livelihoods of northern indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities across the north are insisting that caribou research be community-driven and collaborative. In response to questions that arose through dialogue with five Sahtú Dene and Métis communities, we jointly developed a research approach to understand caribou differentiation and population structure. Our goal was to examine caribou variation through analysis of population genetics and an exploration of the relationships Dene and Métis people establish with animals within bioculturally diverse systems. To cultivate a research environment that supported łeghaǵots'enetę "learning together" we collaborated with Ɂehdzo Got'ınę (Renewable Resources Councils), elders, and an advisory group. Dene knowledge and categorization systems include a comprehensive understanding of the origin, behaviors, dynamic interactions, and spatial structure of caribou. Dene people classify todzı "boreal woodland caribou" based on unique behaviors, habitat preferences, and morphology that differ from ɂekwę "barren-ground" or shuhta ɂepę "mountain" caribou. Similarly, genetic analysis of material (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) from caribou fecal pellets, collected in collaboration with community members during the winter, provided additional evidence for population differentiation that corresponded to the caribou types recognized by Dene people and produced insights into the evolutionary histories that contribute to the various forms. We developed culturally respectful and relevant descriptions of caribou variation through partnerships that respect the lives and experiences of people that depend on the land. By prioritizing mutual learning, researchers can broaden their understanding of biodiversity and establish a common language for collaboration.

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“…The disturbance of forest through timber harvesting and fire activities is known to alter predator-prey interactions as it can facilitate apparent competition (Wittmer et al, 2007). However, Courtois et al (2007) found that caribou can increase their home range sizes and reduce their fidelity to home ranges to combat the effects of forest disturbances.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The preference of woodland caribou for open forest is explained by their increased ability to move around to successfully avoid predation (Brown et al, 2003). Furthermore, open forests are associated with arboreal and terrestrial lichen rich understories, which are the primary food source of woodland caribou (O'Brien et al, 2006;Courtois et al, 2007, Thompson et al, 2014. Caribou tend to also be associated with water and wetlands in the winter months as frozen water presents an easy means to navigate through the landscape and may facilitate "slushing" (Bergerud et al, 1983;Leroux et al, 2007;Fortin et al, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These disturbances alter the composition and structure of forests by changing mature forests to early successional stages (Joly et al, 2003). Such habitat modification results in the loss of primary habitat, reduced forage, and increased risk of predation (through apparent competition with other ungulates; Courtois et al, 2007;Wittmer et al, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An uncertain future for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou): The impact of climate change on winter distribution in Ontario

Masood¹,

Zuiden²,

Rodgers³

et al. 2017

Ran

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Habitat alteration and climate change are two important environmental stressors posing increasing threats to woodland caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou, in Ontario. Our first objective was to identify the importance of linear features, habitat, and climate on the occurrence of woodland caribou during the winter season using over 30 years of records . Our second objective was to forecast the impacts of climate change on the future occurrence and range of woodland caribou. Woodland caribou occurrence and environmental data collected during 1980 to 2012 were obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). Logistic regression models were used to identify the importance of linear features, habitat, and climate on woodland caribou. We then forecast future caribou occurrences using 126 future climate projections. Woodland caribou preferred coniferous forests and mixed forests that tended to be associated with increased lichen coverage, and regions with colder winters. Woodland caribou also avoided anthropogenically disturbed regions, such as areas associated with high road density or developed areas. Caribou range extent was projected to contract by 57.2-100% by 2050 and 58.9-100% by 2070. Furthermore, all 126 climate change scenarios forecast a range loss of at least 55% for woodland caribou in Ontario by 2050. We project complete loss of woodland caribou in Ontario if winter temperatures increase by more than 5.6°C by 2070. We found that woodland caribou in Ontario are sensitive to changes in climate and forecasted that an average of 95% of Ontario's native woodland caribou could become extirpated by 2070. The greatest extirpations were projected to occur in the northernmost regions of Ontario as well as northeastern Ontario, while regions in western Ontario were projected to have the lowest rates of extirpation. This underscores the importance of mitigating greenhouse gases as a means to protect this iconic species.

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Effects of forest disturbance on density, space use, and mortality of woodland caribou

Cited by 93 publications

References 44 publications

The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

Łeghágots'enetę (learning together): the importance of indigenous perspectives in the identification of biological variation

An uncertain future for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou): The impact of climate change on winter distribution in Ontario

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Effects of forest disturbance on density, space use, and mortality of woodland caribou

Cited by 93 publications

References 44 publications

The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

&#321;egha&#769;gots'enete&#808; (learning together): the importance of indigenous perspectives in the identification of biological variation

An uncertain future for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou): The impact of climate change on winter distribution in Ontario

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Product

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Łeghágots'enetę (learning together): the importance of indigenous perspectives in the identification of biological variation