Migratory Tundra Caribou in a Warmer Climate
Gunn A, Russell D, Joly K , Manzo L, Pellissey J, Tulagak J, Whiting AV. 2024. Migratory Tundra Caribou in a Warmer Climate. NOAA technical report OAR ARC 24-10. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Arctic migratory tundra caribou populations have declined by 65% overall over the last 2-3 decades. More recently, the relatively smaller coastal herds in the western Arctic are showing signs of recovery while the larger inland herds are either stable or continuing to decline. Warmer summer and fall temperatures, changes in winter snowfall, and an increasing human footprint collectively stress Arctic caribou, altering their distribution, movements, survival, and productivity. The extent of recent herd declines and onsets of recoveries varies regionally, consistent with regional climate trends. Arctic regions of greatest projected summer warming are projected to see the largest continued population declines. Sharing knowledge is essential, as those charged with managing caribou endeavor to more fully understand climate impacts on herd health and implement strategies that encourage herd growth, while accommodating the cultural, nutritional, and spiritual relationships northern people have with caribou.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Gunn, A.; Russell, D.; Joly, K.; Manzo, L.; Pellissey, J.; Tulagak, J.; Whiting, A.
- Date of Issue
- 2024-12-05
- Publisher
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- abundance, arctic, caribou, climate, culture, nutrition, population