The status of Rangifer tarandus caribou in Yukon, Canada

Abstract

This paper summarizes the population trends as well as research and management programs for woodland caribou {Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Yukon. Most herds are stable although not all are counted regularly and systematic monitoring of herds remains an essential need. Over the past decade the Southern Lakes, Aishihik, and Finlayson herds have been well studied and provide valuable models for guiding Yukon management programs. Over harvest and the spread of agriculture, forestry and mining are ongoing human activities are of concern to caribou managers.

Status of northern mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Yukon, Canada

“…A number of tools are used to monitor Yukon's northern mountain caribou herds, with monitoring e orts beginning in earnest in the early 1980s (Farnell et al, 1998). e herd (i.e., population) is the basic management unit for northern mountain caribou and radio-collar programs have been used extensively to track the distribution of individuals and subsequently map herd range boundaries (Fig.…”

“…Due to its small size (Table 1), the Kluane herd is closed to all licensed hunting, and a voluntary harvest closure, for all hunters, is requested for the Ethel Lake herd by the Yukon government and the First Nations in this area. As part of their recovery program, the Southern Lakes herds (Atlin, Carcross, Laberge, and Ibex; Farnell et al, 1998) are closed to all licensed harvest and the First Nations in these areas have also implemented a voluntary harvest closure. e Chisana herd will be harvested under a PHA beginning in 2013.…”

“…e purpose of this report is to update the status of northern mountain caribou in Yukon including the best available information on herd sizes and trends, levels of monitoring, and conservation and management issues related to these herds. e last status assessment of Yukon mountain caribou is over 10 years old (Farnell et al, 1998) and an update is warranted.…”

Using temporary dye marks to estimate ungulate population abundance in southwest Yukon, Canada

“…These caribou are legally listed in the Canadian Species at Risk Act as a species of Special Concern (COSEWIC, 2002). Following declines in the 1980s and early 1990s, AH was the focus of an intensive population recovery effort in the 1990s (Hayes et al, 2003) and is one of the better-studied herds in the Yukon (Farnell et al, 1998). Recovery actions for AH included limiting human harvest and reducing wolf (Canis lupus) populations through sterilization and lethal control (Hayes et al, 2003).…”

Plant Responses to Natural and Experimental Variations in Temperature in Alpine Tundra, Southern Yukon, Canada

“…442-456 ments of tundra responses to climate variation. Tundra responses to climate variation are also of local importance in the study area, as alpine regions in southern Yukon provide important calving and post-calving habitat to woodland caribou (Northern Mountain population), for which some populations are declining (Farnell et al, 1998). Assessing and predicting changes in plant communities that may affect caribou forage availability is an important element of predicting the long-term viability of these sensitive populations, which are a main target for ecosystem conservation in the region.…”