Introduction to the Population Ecology of North American Caribou

Abstract

Bergerud has discussed how major differences in caribou density across North America appear to be related to the impact of wolf (Canis lupus) predation, and the strategies used by caribou to avoid wolves. Caribou living in areas without wolves usually occur at high densities and are regulated by competition for food. In this session, we asked the presenters to discuss the population ecology of different caribou herds in North America and to evaluate if they fit the general model.