Single-island home range use by four female Peary caribou, Bathurst Island, Canadian High Arctic, 1993-94

Authors

  • Frank L. Miller
  • Samuel J. Barry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/2.23.5.1710

Keywords:

caribou, Bathurst Island, home range, displacement vs. travel, distributions, Rangifer tarandus pearyi, movements, satellite telemetry locations

Abstract

Spatial and temporal use of seasonal, and collectively, annual ranges by four female Peary caribou (Rangifer taran-dus pearyi) was investigated using satellite telemetry. Knowledge of how caribou use space allows a better understanding of their demands on those ranges and enhances evaluation of associated environmental stressors. The study took place during an environmentally favorable caribou-year with high reproduction and calf survival and low (none detected) 1+ yr-old mortality, 1 August 1993 to 31 July 1994, Bathurst Island, south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands, Canadian High Arctic. All four females exhibited a pattern of single-island seasonal, and collectively, annual range use. Estimates of the maximum area encompassed by each individual during the course of the annual-cycle varied from 1735 to 2844 km2 (mean±SE = 2284±250 km2). Although, there was 46% spatial overlap among individual ranges, temporal isolation resulted in the four individuals maintaining seasonal ranges distinctly separate from each other. This collective area encompassed 4970 km2 and equaled about 31% and 18% of Bathurst Island and the Bathurst Island complex, respectively. Individual wintering areas formed a relatively small portion of each individual's annual range (mean±SE=71±17 km2): 24 km2, 158 days of occupation, <1% of the annual area; 70 km2, 187 days, 4%; 95 km2, 200 days, 4%; and 94 km2, 172 days, 6%. Seasonal movements were greatest during pre-rut and pre-calving.

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Published

2003-04-01

How to Cite

Miller, F. L., & Barry, S. J. (2003). Single-island home range use by four female Peary caribou, Bathurst Island, Canadian High Arctic, 1993-94. Rangifer, 23(5), 267–281. https://doi.org/10.7557/2.23.5.1710

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