Age-specific fecundity of the Beverly herd of barren-ground caribou
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7557/2.10.3.867Keywords:
age, calf production, Rangifer, reproduction, caribou, Beverly herdAbstract
The age-specific fecundity of the Beverly herd of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) was monitored each winter from 1979-80 through 1986-87. Fecundity in 840 females increased with age from 12% in yearlings to 86% at age 5 years and it did not decline in old (> 11 yr) females. Significant variations occurred among winters and even between two subherds in one winter. Reproductive abnormalities were detected in 2 of 840 females and a probable resorption in 1 of 420 females collected in March. Only about 5% of the fetuses were conceived late, possibly by repeat ovulators. Combining survival and fecundity data yielded age-specific calf production, which indicated that, for example, 54% of calves were born to females 3-6 years old.Downloads
Published
1990-09-01
How to Cite
Thomas, D. C., & Barry, S. J. (1990). Age-specific fecundity of the Beverly herd of barren-ground caribou. Rangifer, 10(3), 257–263. https://doi.org/10.7557/2.10.3.867
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