Seasonal Movements and Sexual Segregation of Caribou Determined by Aerial Survey
Cameron RD and Whitten KR. 1979. Seasonal Movements and Sexual Segregation of Caribou Determined by Aerial Survey. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 43(3):626-633
Seasonal movements of caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) were monitored by a new aerial survey technique. Six surveys were conducted between March and November 1975 over a specified route on Alaska's central arctic slope. A geographic center of caribou occupancy was determined for each survey by calculating the latitudinal and longitudinal means of caribou distribution. The results demonstrated a gradual movement to the north beginning in March and continuing into August, thereafter progressing southward through November. Groups that included calves remained at higher latitudes (P < 0.05) than those not including calves, but movement patterns were similar for all groups. Available evidence indicates that caribou within this area constitute a distinct subpopulation, designated as the Central Arctic herd. Interpretation of survey results and the requirements and limitations of the technique are discussed.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Cameron, Raymond; Whitten, Kenneth
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Arctic, Rangifer tarandus granti