Woodland caribou and forestry in Northern Ontario, Canada

Authors

  • W. R. Darby
  • L. S. Duquette

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/2.6.2.587

Keywords:

caribou, decline, forestry, mitigation, Canada, Ontario

Abstract

Expansion of logging in remote Ontario boreal forest requires mitigation of effects on woodland caribou. Three examples of caribou-forestry interaction are reviewed. In two, caribou were apparently displaced from peripheral portions of their winter range by logging. In the third, caribou disappeared when exposed to: logging in a central third of their winter range; increased deer density, and; a probable increase in predation. In all cases there is no evidence of human harvest. The literature plus experience in Ontario suggest the following mitigative techniques: protection of winter concentration areas, significant calving areas and traditional migration routes from logging; directing timber harvest to forest stands of least value to caribou; restricting disturbance to one large clearcut in a peripheral portion of range rather than dispersing it over a large portion as several small clearcuts; modified site preparation and regeneration, and; restricted road access. Research is required on the effect of forestry on caribou with and without mitigation, and on causes for effects observed.

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Published

1986-06-01

How to Cite

Darby, W. R., & Duquette, L. S. (1986). Woodland caribou and forestry in Northern Ontario, Canada. Rangifer, 6(2), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.7557/2.6.2.587

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