Early Winter Habitat Use by Mountain Caribou in the North Cariboo and Columbia Mountains, British Columbia

Authors

  • E. Terry University of British Columbia, Department of Animal Science, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4
  • B. McLellan
  • G. Watts
  • J. Flaa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/2.16.4.1229

Keywords:

caribou, Rangifer, winter habitat, forest management, British Columbia

Abstract

Winter habitat use was compared between two mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations in British Columbia. Regional differences were apparent during November and December. Radio-collared caribou inhabiting the gentle plateaus of the northern Cariboo Mountains, near Prince George, B.C. primarily used mid-elevation balsam-spruce stands on moderate slopes (<30%). In contrast, radio-collared caribou in the North Columbia Mountains, near Revelstoke, B.C. used low elevation hemlock-cedar stands and relatively steeper slopes (>30%). To adequately address habitat requirements of caribou, forest management plans should incorporate varying regional and seasonal habitat use patterns. Hypotheses on observed differences in habitat use are discussed.

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Published

1996-01-01

How to Cite

Terry, E., McLellan, B., Watts, G., & Flaa, J. (1996). Early Winter Habitat Use by Mountain Caribou in the North Cariboo and Columbia Mountains, British Columbia. Rangifer, 16(4), 133–140. https://doi.org/10.7557/2.16.4.1229