Quantifying barrier effects of roads and seismic lines on movements of female woodland caribou in northeastern Alberta

Abstract

Linear developments such as roads, seismic lines, and pipeline rights-of-way are common anthropogenic features in the boreal forest of Alberta. These features may act as barriers to the movement of threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Thirty-six woodland caribou were captured and fitted with global positioning system collars. These collared caribou yielded 43 415 locations during the 12-month study period. We compared rates of crossing roads and seismic lines with rates at which caribou crossed simulated roads and seismic lines created using ArcInfo GIS. Seismic lines were not barriers to caribou movements, whereas roads with moderate vehicle traffic acted as semipermeable barriers to caribou movements. The greatest barrier effects were evident during late winter, when caribou crossed actual roads 6 times less frequently than simulated road networks. Semipermeable barrier effects may exacerbate functional habitat loss demonstrated through avoidance behaviour. This novel approach represents an important development in the burgeoning field of road ecology and has great potential for use in validating animal-movement models.

Spatial factors influencing northern mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus) survival and distribution in the Telkwa Range

“…Telkwa caribou responded most strongly to roads, demonstrating avoidance of high road densities in the summer, regardless of time period. This is consistent with current literature, which suggests that caribou strongly avoid linear features because of predator or human-caused risk (Nellemann et al 2001, Dyer et al 2002, Latham 2009, Ehlers 2012. The response during the winter was much less clear.…”

Determining effects of an all weather logging road on winter woodland caribou habitat use in south-eastern Manitoba

“…The extent to which woodland caribou avoid human development is also dependent on the level of human activity (Dyer et al, 2001;2002). Higher energetics associated with industrial disturbance may also cause reduction in caribou mass depending on the cumulative influence of that activity (Bradshaw et al, 1998).…”

“…Dyer et al (2002) compared rates of caribou crossings on roads and seismic lines to simulated linear features using GIS. They found that roads were semi-permeable barriers and may cause a loss of functional habitat due to animal avoidance.…”

The distribution of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) and moose (Alces alces) in the Fort St. James Region of Northern British Columbia, 1800-1950.

“…Human activities can directly influence caribou through loss of habitat, avoidance of human structures and corridors (Oberg, 2001;Vistnes and Nellemann, 2001;Dyer et al, 2002), and indirectly by facilitating the distribution of alternate prey and associated predators (see Predation).…”

“…Industrial activities (e.g. mining, logging, and recreational) and land clearing for settlements are recognised as primary causes of caribou decline (Oberg, 2001;Dyer et al, 2002;Schaefer et al, 2003;Vors, 2007 Yeah there were blasts for mines; they were looking for gold up in Sidney Williams. I don't know when, it was not in my time; my grandfather was talking about it.…”