Summary of June 1998 Mentasta Caribou Herd count and composition surveys.
Mitchell C. 1998. Summary of June 1998 Mentasta Caribou Herd count and composition surveys.. National Park Service. Copper Center, Alaska
Each year, the Mentasta Caribou Herd (MCH) is subject to several surveys. In June, postcalving aggregation and composition counts are conducted to determine herd size and early production rates. In September, an additional composition survey is conducted to determine the ratios of bulls, cows and calves during the rut. These surveys allow managers to monitor population trends, and determine summer calf survival rates and bull:cow ratios during the rut. These data are used to determine if fall hunting seasons may be held (National Park Service. 1995. Mentasta Caribou Herd Cooperative Management Plan. Wrangell-St. Elias NP/P, Copper Center, AK.), support research on herd ecology (e.g. K. Jenkins. 1995. Population dynamics of the Mentasta Caribou Herd, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve: Progress Report and Preliminary Assessment. WRST Res. and Resource Manage. Rep. 95-01. Copper Center, AK.) and support an overall understanding of caribou ecology in the National Park and Preserve. The post-calving aggregation count was conducted on 25 June 1998 by two fixed wing aircraft.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Mitchell, Carl
- Date of Issue
- 1998-07-07
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- WRST
- Keywords
- abundance, alaska, caribou, chisana, population, st. elias, survey, wrangell