2011 Annual Report of NWT Wildlife Research Permits and Western ...

Wildlife Species Research:
Caribou
OBJECTIVES:
´ ´ To continue to monitor the distribution and
movements of collared Beverly/Ahiak cows, to:
´ ´ get information on seasonal use patterns,
movement rates and migration routes;
´ ´ evaluate the movements of cows in relation to
human and natural disturbances; and
´ ´ aid in surveying population parameters;
´ ´ To measure sex ratio and over-summer calf survival
(fall survey);
´ ´ To measure 10-month calf survival (late winter
survey); and
´ ´ To opportunistically collect and analyze biological
specimens.
METHODS:
Continue to acquire location data from the satellite collars
currently deployed on Beverly/Ahiak caribou. Locations
are mapped weekly.
For fall sex ratio and 10 month-calf survival surveys:
(survey methods are similar). A fixed wing reconnaissance
survey may be required for allocation of effort in relation
to the distribution and density of caribou observed as well
as the location of collared cows. A helicopter crew
consisting of a spotter, recorder and pilot will fly over
groups of caribou and classify as calves, cows, yearlings
and bulls. Cochran’s (1977) Jackknife technique will be
used to calculate age and sex ratios and their associated
variances on a daily basis to ensure that the required level
of precision is achieved.
Further aerial surveys (helicopter or fixed wing) will only
be conducted if unexpected events make it necessary
to investigate caribou distribution and habitat conditions
over the Beverly/Ahiak range.
Biological specimens (examples: skin samples for DNA
testing and to check for effects of collars, fecals for
parasite work) will be collected where necessary and/or
opportunistically.
RESULTS AND MAIN CONCLUSIONS:
Collared caribou were monitored throughout the year.
Collared cow locations were mapped weekly and
movements were used in survey planning and analyses.
In March 2011 there were 15 active collars on Beverly/
Ahiak cows. These collars were deployed in 2006 (1),
2007 (3), 2008 (9) and 2009 (2). Between March 2011
and February 2012 there were eight mortalities; two in
each of April, July, and August; one each in December
and February; and one collar dropped off as scheduled.
Caribou necropsies were completed on 16 caribou (8
males, 8 females) harvested during Aurora College’s
Environment and Natural Resources Program (ENRTP)
winter camp from March 1-4, 2011. This provides a
learning opportunity for students as well as valuable
biological data. The camp location was north of Orpheus
Lake, NWT (61.11° N 106.46° W). This location is in a
wintering area that has been used in recent years by both
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou. Nunavut and GNWT
collar location data from 2011 indicated that Qamanirjuaq
caribou were most likely sampled during this winter camp.
A spring composition survey was conducted April 5-9,
2011. Prior to the composition survey a reconnaissance
survey was flown (April 1-5, 2011). During the composition
survey 7,304 caribou were classified. The calf:cow ratio
was 57 calves:100 cows.
A fall composition survey was conducted from October
25-29, 2011. Prior to the composition survey a
reconnaissance survey was flown (October 22-28, 2011).
Overall 12,421 caribou were classified. The overall sex ratio
was 69 bulls:100 cows.
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