bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2nd International Arctic Ungulate Conference
Authors: Anonymous A.
Published: February 2013

The 2nd International Arctic Ungulate Conference was held 13-17 August 1995 on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. The Institute of Arctic Biology and the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit were responsible for organizing the conference with assistance from biologists with state and federal agencies and commercial organizations. David R. Klein was chair of the conference organizing committee. Over 200 people attended the conference, coming from 10 different countries. The United States, Canada, and Norway had the largest representation. The conference included invited lectures; panel discussions, and about 125 contributed papers. There were five technical sessions on Physiology and Body Condition; Habitat Relationships; Population Dynamics and Management; Behavior, Genetics and Evolution; and Reindeer and Muskox Husbandry. Three panel sessions discussed Comparative caribou management strategies; Management of introduced, reestablished, and expanding muskox populations; and Health risks in translocation of arctic ungulates. Invited lectures focused on the physiology and population dynamics of arctic ungulates; contaminants in food chains of arctic ungulates and lessons learned from the Chernobyl accident; and ecosystem level relationships of the Porcupine Caribou Herd.
Influence of timing of endectocidic antiparasitic treatment on its efficacy in overwintering reindeer
Authors: Oksanen A.
Published: February 2013

To find out if timing of endectocidic antiparasitic treatment is critical for its efficacy in overwintering reindeer, 72 hinds of the Kaamanen Experimental Reindeer Herd were randomly allocated to four groups. Three groups received ivermecrin mixture orally once at a dose of 200 pg/kg, either in September, December, or February, and one group was left untreated. Antiparasitic efficacy was evaluated by counting Hypoderma tarandi and Cephenemyia trompe larvae in April, and by faecal examinanon for trichostrongylid nematode eggs in March and April. Production efficacy consequences were assessed by comparing animal weight development from November to April, and calf birth weights. No difference could be seen in the antiparasitic efficacy of the treatments; all were 100 % efficient against H. tarandi larvae (warbles) and C. trompe larvae (throat bors), and reduced the trichostrongylid egg output by 62 to 74%. Weight gains of the groups were not significantly different, however the calf birrh weights differed nearly significantly (P = 0.057). On average, smallest calves were produced by the untreated group.
Sixth NACW
Authors: Brown et al. (iss. eds.) Kent
Published: February 2013

The Sixth North American Caribou workshop was attended by over 200 people from across North America, as well as four special guests from Russia. Participants were very surprised to see and hear about caribou living in large cedar forests and on mountain-tops where snow depths exceeded several meters, and the only available forage was the lichens growing on trees. We believe that the workshop was a major success with many excellent presentations and posters, as well as opportunities for the participants to meet and discuss caribou research, ecology, and management with their counterparts from across North America. These proceedings include a wide range of excellent papers that provide a permanent record of the workshop. The editors thank the authors and reviewers for their efforts to produce and review these papers.
Introduction to the Population Ecology of North American Caribou
Authors: Seip Dale R. , Brown Kent
Published: February 2013

Bergerud has discussed how major differences in caribou density across North America appear to be related to the impact of wolf (Canis lupus) predation, and the strategies used by caribou to avoid wolves. Caribou living in areas without wolves usually occur at high densities and are regulated by competition for food. In this session, we asked the presenters to discuss the population ecology of different caribou herds in North America and to evaluate if they fit the general model.
Managing for Caribou Survival in a Partitioned Habitat
Authors: Cumming H.G.
Published: February 2013

Forest management guidelines for woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Ontario need to be re-examined in light of the finding that caribou partition habitat with moose (Alces alces), partly to find virtual refuges from predation by gray wolves (Canis lupus). Forest-wide guidelines seem inappropriate for a species that is widely scattered and little known. Management should concentrate on and around currently used virtual refuges to ensure their continued habitability. Cutting these areas may force the caribou into places with higher densities of predators; winter use of roads might bring poachers, increased wolf entry, and accidents. A proposal for 100 km2 clear-cuts scheduled over 60+ years across the forest landscape would probably minimize moose/wolf densities in the long run as intended, but because of habitat partitioning might forfeit any benefits to caribou in the short-term. Sharply reducing moose densities near areas where caribou have sought refuge might incline wolves to switch to caribou. Cutting beyond caribou winter refuge areas should aim at maintaining current moose densities to prevent wolves from switching prey species. Operations level manipulation of the forest around each wintering area should provide winter habitat for the future, while treatment replications with controls across the whole forest would provide reliable knowledge about which approaches work best. The remainder of the forest should be managed to maintain suitable densities of all other species.
Biochemical indicators of condition, nutrition and nitrogen excretion in caribou
Authors: Case Ray
Published: February 2013

Urinary urea nitrogen to creatinine ratios, urinary Nt-methylhistidine to creatinine ratios, serum urea nitrogen concentrations (SUN mg/dl), and serum Nt-methylhistidine concentrations were compared with physical measures of body composition in adult female barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) from the Bathurst and Southampton Island herds during late winter. Body weight and UUC were used to estimate urinary urea nitrogen (urea-N) excretion in free ranging caribou. Only mean UUC reflected differences in fat reserves between populations. None of the biochemical indicators were directly related to body composition. However, elevated UUC were only observed in caribou with depleted fat reserves as demonstrated by low kidney fat index (KFK40) and/or reduced femur marrow fat (FMF<80). UUC greater than 0.25 were indicative of undernourished animals with depleted fat reserves. SUN and UN -MHC showed no clear relationship with fat reserves. The mean estimated daily urea-N excretion for adult female caribou in late winter was extremely low (0.11+0.01SE g urea-N/day, n=76, range=0.011-0.510). The results of my study suggest that UUC can be used to detect nutritionally stressed caribou with depleted fat reserves on lichen winter ranges.
Modeling energy and reproductive costs in caribou exposed to low flying military jet aircraft
Authors: Luick B.R. , Kitchens J.A. , White R.G. , Murphy S.M.
Published: February 2013

We used simulation modeling to estimate the effect of low-flying military jet aircraft on the productivity of caribou. The base model (CARIBOU, CWS Whitehorse, Yukon Territory) uses daily intake and expenditure of energy to assess the condition of female caribou throughout the annual cycle. The activity budget of the model caribou was adjusted based on field observations of responses to noise disturbance. A subroutine was added that predicted the likelihood of conception based on fall body fat weight. Caribou responses to overflights were evaluated by equipping free-ranging caribou with radio collars and activity sensors that could distinguish between resting and active periods. Collared animals were exposed to 110 overflights by A-10, F-15 and F- 16 jet aircraft during late-winter, post-calving and the insect season. Noise exposure levels for individual animals either were measured directly with collar-mounted dosimeters or were estimated based on the proximity of the caribou to the aircraft during the overflight. A Time-averaged Sound Level (LT) was calculated from the total daily noise exposure for each animal and linear regression was used to evaluate the influence of daily noise exposure on daily hours spent resting. Results of these analyses then were used to modify the time budgets in the CARIBOU model. That is, if time spent resting declined, then time spent in the two rest classes (lying and standing) were proportionately redistributed into the three active classes (foraging, walking and running). Model simulations indicated that caribou increased forage intake in response to increased noise exposure, but it also predicted that increased noise exposure would cause a reduced accumulation of body fat. Because body fat in fall has successfully been used to predict the probability of pregnancy (see Gerhart et al, 1993), this relationship was used in the model. Preliminary model simulations indicate that increased noise exposure decreases the probability of pregnancy and that unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g., deep snow and severe insect harassment) exacerbate the situation. The threshold at which point the caribou fail to conceive has not been determined at this time, but appears to be well beyond the exposure to aircraft that caribou in the Delta herd are currently experiencing.
Assessing effectiveness of caribou management systems: Alaska's Western Arctic Herd and Canada's Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Herds
Authors: Klein D.R. , Kruse J.A.
Published: February 2013

Our hope is that this analysis will highlight the best elements of each management system, which collectively will serve as a model to improve the management of large caribou herds in North America.
Co-management of the Porcupine Caribou Herd
Authors: Peter Albert , Urquhart Doug
Published: February 2013

The success of a co-management organization rests with the user communities. Over the years members of the Porcupine Caribou Management Board have observed that it is the knowledge and concerns held by the people in the communities which are affected by caribou management policies, that provide the greatest inspiration to the Board. In return, the Board must never lose sight of its primary objective which is to manage and conserve the Porcupine Caribou Herd by incorporating native participation at every level of decision-making.
Relationship between Conception Date and Latitude in Muskoxen
Authors: Flood Peter F. , Tedesco Susan C.
Published: February 2013

It has been suggested that muskoxen calve earlier with increasing latitude but the available data do not seem to have been thoroughly analyzed. Therefore, estimated conception dates (K=657) from a wide range of latitudes were compared. The results indicate that conceptions occur about a month earlier in the arctic than at temperate latitudes. This conclusion is consistent with reported observations of mating behaviour and calving season.
Nursing behaviour as a predictor of alternate-year reproduction in muskoxen
Authors: Schulman Andrea B. , White Robert G.
Published: February 2013

Our finding significant differences in nursing behavior during the post-rut period supports the hypothesis that female muskoxen use factors other than their nutritional condition to determine their reproductive strategy.
A serological survey for brucellosis in reindeer in Finnmark county, northern Norway
Authors: Åsbakk Kjetil , Stuen Snorre , Hansen Hilde , Forbes Lorry
Published: February 2013

During September-December, 1990 to 1994, serum samples from a total of 5792 semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandm tarandm) from Finnmark county, northern Norway, were screened for brucellosis on an indirect ELISA. There were no serologically positive animals. Twenty six of the animals had levels of antibodies detectable on the ELISA and were classed as suspicious, but the ELISA optical density readings were low compared to the readings for reindeer that were both culture positive and seropositive for Brucella suis biovar 4. When assayed on the standard tube agglutination test (STAT), all the 26 animals were seronegative. When absorbed with cells of Yersinia enterocolitica 0-9, the antibody detectable on the ELISA could be removed to a great extent from most of the sera, indicating previous or ongoing exposure to bacteria serologically cross-reacting with Brucella in these animals. We concluded that brucellosis was not present among reindeer in Finnmark during this study. This is supported by the absence of any reports of brucellosis among reindeer in Norway.
Mineral nutrition and alimentary pools in muskoxen and caribou on the Angujaartorfiup Nunaa range in West Greenland
Authors: Staaland Hans , Olesen Carsten Riis
Published: February 2013

Minerals (Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, Mg) and crude protein concentrations as well as total contents were measured throughout the alimentary tract of muskoxen and caribou from Angujaatorfiup Nunaa range, Søndre Strømfjord area in West Greenland. The muskoxen had significantly higher K concentrations in the caecum and proximal colon than the caribou. Caribou collected during the summer season had the highest Mg concentrations throughout the alimentary tract. In both species water, Na, K and CI concentrations decreased through the distal part of the alimentary system whereas Ca, Mg, P and crude protein concentrations increased. The muskoxen had relatively larger mineral pools and total content in the omasum than the caribou, and the caribou relatively larger mineral pools (except K and CI) and total content in the caecum. Higher concentrations of Mg in the alimentary tract of the caribou than the muskoxen during the summer could also indicate that the caribou feed more on herbs with high concentrations of Mg. The data does also indicate that both the caribou and the muskoxen are living in an area where high intakes of minerals from both vegetation and mineral licks are possible. Based on the present study the muskoxen is apparently a typical grazer whereas the caribou is more like a concentrate selector.
Forord ved redaktøren og innholdsliste
Authors: Skjenneberg Sven
Published: February 2013

NORs arbeidsutvalg vedtok i møte i Helsingfors 25. februar 1981 at det første forskermøte i NORs regi skulle vies temaet ”Tap av rein”. Som sted for møtet ble valgt Hemavan i Sverige. Konferansen samlet 38 deltakere.Hovedhensikten med konferansen var:1.       Få oversikt over tapenes omfang.2.       Klarlegge status for den eksakte viten om tapsårsakene.3.       Drøfte, eventuelt prioritere emner for fremtidige forskningsprosjekter innen temaet.
Vinterkatastrofer inom renskötseln i Finland: Förluster och deras forebyggande
Authors: Helle Timo
Published: February 2013

Särskils uppmärksamhet fästs vid sambandet mellan vinterkatastrofer och betesmarkernas situation, katastrofernas inverkan på renens populationsdynamik samt de metoder som används för att förebygga katatrofer.
Oversikt over tapene i Norge
Authors: Kosmo Ansgar
Published: February 2013

I Norge har det vært laget offentlige utredninger om reindriften de siste 100 år, og av nærsagt alle går det fram at risikoen for tap er store. Vi vet at tapene er store når forholdene er ugunstige, fremdeles kan vi gjøre lite for å hindre det, og fremdeles har vi problemer med å dokumentere dem.
Anförande vid NOR's seminarium i Hemavan 28-30 september 1981
Authors: Stenberg Nikolaus
Published: February 2013

Synspunkter fra Svenska Samernas Riksförbund ved SSRs fomann
Biotelemetri - bättre fallrensdiagnoser?
Authors: Nordkvist Magnus
Published: February 2013

Foredraget tar for seg flere undersøkelser om fallrein og går særskilt gjennom den som ble foretatt i Umbyn 1974 - 1980.  Telemetri brukt for fra sommeren 1979. Erfaringen tilsier at "vi med denna söketeknik för in fallreinsdiagnostiken i ett nytt skede"
Gruppe 2. Næringsspørsmål
Authors: Skjenneberg (moderator) Sven
Published: February 2013

Gruppens gjennomgang av dette store emnet finnes i fullstendig pdf
Gruppe 5. Stress
Authors: Korak (moderator) Hans
Published: February 2013

Gruppen lagde en oversikt over situasjoner der stress kan forekomme, se full pdf.
Feed intake, rumenal pH and lactic acid in reindeer during transition to a complete ration added buffer and fat
Authors: Bøe Ulla-Britt , Gundersen Nicolai , Sletten Harald , Jacobsen Endre
Published: February 2013

Feed intake, general condition, rumenal pH and lactic acid content was followed during feeding of starved reindeer on a coventional diet (RF-71). The result was a dramatic decrease of rumen pH (pH=5.1 in experiment no. Ill) a few hours after feeding of the coventional diet, but this could be counteracted significantly by addition of buffer (pH=6.4 in experiment no. Ill) of hydrogenated marine oil (pH=6.1 in experiment no. Ill) to the ration. The highest content of the lactic acid in the rumen was 40 mM in animals fed RF-71, whereas addition of buffer or hydrogenated marine oil completely supressed accumulation of this acid.

Foropptak, pH og melkesyre i vomma hos rein under overgangsforing med kraftfor tilsatt buffer og fett.

Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: Forinntak, almentilstand, pH og melkesyreinnhold i vom ble registrert under foring av sultede rein med konvensjonelt kraftfor (reinfor 71 = RF-71). Det ble funnet et sterkt pH-fall i vomma (pH=5.1, forsøk III) få timer etter at dyrene startet å spise RF-71. Denne effekten ble redusert ved tilsetting av buffer (pH=6.4, forsøk III) eller herdet marint fett (pH=6.1, forsøk III) til dietten. De dyr som ble foret med RF-71 hadde et melkesyreinnhold i vomma på opp til 40 mM. Tilsetting av buffer eller herdet marint fett til dietten forhindret akkumulering av melkesyre.

Poron rehunkäyttö, pötsin pH ja maitohapposisältö siirtymävaiheen ruokinnassa käytettäessä väkirehua, johon on lisätty puskuria ja rasvaa.

Abstract in Finnish / Yhteenveto: Rehunkäyttoä, yleistilaa, pötsin pH:ta ja maitohapposisältöä tutkittiin ruokittaessa nälkiintyneitä poroja tavanomaisella väkirehulla (poron 71 = RF-71). Joitakin tuntejaruokinnan aloittamisen jälkeen havaittiin voimakas pötsin pH:n lasku (pH 5.1, koe III). Tämä vaikutus väheni kun poron nauttiman ravinnon joukkoon lisättiin puskuria (pH 6.4, koe III) tai merikaloista valmistettua kovetettua rasvaa (pH 6.1, koe III). RF-71 rehua nauttineiden eläinten pötsin maitohapposisältö oli 40 nM. Puskurin tai kovetetun merellisen eläinperäisen rasvan lisääminen ravintoon ehkäisi maitohapon kasaantumista.
Report: Tamreinen på Grønland
Authors: Skjenneberg Sven
Published: February 2013

Larsen, P. & Aastrup, P. 1981: Undersøgelser over tamrenbestanden (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) ved Itivnera, Vestgrønland. - Viltundersøgelser, Hæfte 35. Viltbiologisk Station, Kalø, DK-8410 Rønde.
Reports: Rein og rovdyr
Authors: Skjenneberg Sven
Published: February 2013

S. Ellefsen. Jerv, ulv og gaupe i Norge. Viltrapport 14. Direktoratet for vilt og ferskvannsfisk.

S. Myrberget og J. Sørensen (eds.). Spor og sportegn etter store rovdyr. Viltrapport 18. Direktoratet for vilt og ferskvannsfisk.
Report: Nytt fra Nordkalottkomiteen
Authors: Skjenneberg Sven
Published: February 2013

Lloyd Villmo. Reindriftsnæringen på Nordkalotten. Nordkalottkomiteens publikasjonsserie nr. 12.

Utdrag av foredrag ved Reindeer/Caribou-Symposium, Røros. 1979.
Reproductioon data in Swedish domestic forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.)
Authors: Mossing Torgny , Rydberg Axel
Published: February 2013

Reproductive organs from female domestic reindeer of the forest type were collected during the period 1978-1982 (N=499). Following data are derived from samples from the season 1981-1982 (N=315). The rate of pregnancy was high, 93% and 60% among adults and yearlings respectively, also a few calves were pregnant. In the middle of September only a few of the collected ovaries had active luteal structures. Ovulations can in the absence of pregnancy proceed up to December-January. Different methods for describing the conceptional period is used. The first conceptions were calculated to 23/9, before 1/10 14% of the females had conceived and before 18/10 80% of the females had successfully mated. Only a few females had conceived after the 1/11.

Data om reproduktion hos svensk skogsren.

Abstract in Swedish / Sammanfattning: Reproduktionsorgan från svensk skogsren har samlats in under perioden 1978-1982 (N=499). Foljande data hårror dock från en såsongs material (1981-1982) (N=315). Dråktighetsprocenten var hos vuxna vajor 93% och hos vuonjil 60%. Ett fåtal kvalvar var också dråktiga. Aktiva gulkroppar fanns i ett fåtal ovarier insamlade i mitten av september. Ovulationer kan fortgå fram till december-januari om befruktning inte sker. Olika metoder for att beskriva parningsperiodens långd har anvånts. De forstå befruktningarna under såsongen beråknades till 23/9. Innan 1/10 hade 14% av vajorna parats och 80% av dessa hade befruktats innan 18/10. Endast ett fåtal befruktningar beråknades till efter 1/11. Huvuddelen av parningarna skedde under de två forstå veckorna i oktober.

Ruotsin metsåalueen poron lisååntymisestå.

Abstract in Finnish / Yhteenveto: Ruotsalaisen metsåporon lisååntymiselimiå on koottu vuosina 1978-82 (N=499). Seuraava aineisto kasittåå kuitenkin vain kauden 1981 - 1982 (N=315) materiaalin. Tåysikasvuisten vaadinten tiineysprosentti oli 93 ja vuongelien vastaavasti 60%. Muutamia tiineitå vasoja myos todettiin. Syyskuun puolivålisså todettiin joissakin ovarioissa aktiiveja keltarauhasia. Mikåli hedelmoittymistå ei tapahdu, voi ovulaatioita esiintyå vielå joulu-tammikuussa. Pariutumiskauden pituuden kuvaamiseksi on kåytetty erilaisia menetelmiå. Ensimmåisten hedelmoittymisten tutkimuskaudella arvioitiin tapahtuneen 23.9. mennesså. 1.10. mennesså oli 14% vaatimista pariutunut ja 80% niistå oli hedelmoittynyt 18.10. mennesså. Vain muutamia harvoja hedelmoittymistapauksia arvioitiin tapahtuneen marraskuun alun jålkeen. Pååosa pariutumisista tapahtui lokakuun kahden ensimmåisen viikon kuluessa.
Trace elements in reindeer from Rybatsjij Ostrov, north western Russia
Authors: Bernhoft Aksel , Waaler Thor , Mathiesen Svein D. , Flåøyen Arne
Published: February 2013

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) grazing the Rybatsjij Ostrov peninsula, north western Russia, northeast of the industrial towns of Nikel and Zapoljarnij, were analysed for hepatic concentrations of trace elements [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)] by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The median (range) concentrations (jig/g wet weight) deter¬mined in liver samples from 40 reindeer with even sex ratio and representation from different age classes were As 0.035 (0.017-0.048), Cd 0.34 (0.15-1.2), Cr 0.008 (<0.002-0.022), Co 0.09 (0.06-0.12), Cu 98 (29-220), Pb 0.56 (0.23-1.0), Hg 0.16 (0.08-0.31), Ni 0.027 (<0.020-0.13), Se 0.88 (0.56-1.3) and Zn 37 (24-105). The concentrations of Cd increased and Ni decreased with age. The measured liver concentrations were below levels of toxicological sig¬nificance to the animals. It can be inferred that there is no risk with the measured trace elements to human health associated with the consumption of meat from these reindeer.
CAES-workshop "Reindeer 2000", 11-13 August 1999, Tromsø, Norway.
Authors: Haugerud (ed. in chief) R.E. , Soppela P. , Forbes (iss. eds.) B.
Published: February 2013

A group of PhD students, post-doctoral scientists and senior scientists gathered together in Tromsø, August 1999 for the 1st CAES Workshop 'Reindeer 2000', in conjunction with the 10th Arctic Ungulate Conference (AUC). The purpose of the workshop was to stimulate the interdisciplinary approach and communication in studies relating to reindeer and reindeer husbandry.
Preface and Program
Authors: Soppela Päivi
Published: February 2013

A group of PhD students, post-doctoral scientists and senior scientists gathered together in Tromsø, August 1999 for the 1st CAES Workshop 'Reindeer 2000', in conjunction with the 10th Arctic Ungulate Conference (AUC). The purpose of the workshop was to stimulate the interdisciplinary approach and communication in studies relating to reindeer and reindeer husbandry.
Effects of reindeer on the re-establishment of Betula pubescens subsp. czerepanovii and Salix phylicifolia in a subarctic meadow
Authors: Herder Michael Den , Niemelä Pekka
Published: February 2013

The effect of reindeer browsing on the regeneration of Betula pubescens subsp. czerepanovii and Salix phylicifolia was studied in a subarctic meadow in Finnish Lapland. The aim of the study was to see whether tree recovery from seeds is possible under heavy reindeer-browsing pressure. After removal of the ground and field layer vegetation in 1986, two exclosures were established so that the effect of reindeer on the secondary succession, starting from seeds, could be studied. The size and the number of B. pubescens and S. phylicifolia were recorded in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1999. Reindeer significantly reduced the height and the number of saplings (plants > 10 cm high) of B. pubescens and S. phylicifolia but the number of seedlings (plants < 10 cm high) did not differ between browsed and unbrowsed plots. Furthermore the heightclass distribution of saplings was different inside the exlosures compared to control areas. Over time browsed plots continued to have high densities of small saplings while in protected plots an increasing number of larger saplings appeared. In our study site, regeneration from seeds seemed possible although the height of B. pubescens and S. phylicifolia was limited by reindeer.

 
Conservation of erupting ungulate populations on islands – a comment
Authors: Gunn Anne , Miller Frank L. , Barry Samuel J.
Published: February 2013

A generalised model for herbivores experiencing abundant forage over time is that their numbers erupt and then decline. This model has been applied to fluctuations in caribou (Rangifer tarandus) populations especially those on islands. Since this generalised model for erupting herbivores was first proposed, two assumptions have slipped in (1) that an erupting population will crash; and (2) that the crash will be density-dependent. The problem with the assumptions is that, without testing, they can lead to inappropriate management such as culls. The first assumption arises from uncritical use of earlier accounts and the second assumption from not discriminating between the effects of environmental variation from the effects of the high herbivore numbers on forage availability (density-dependence). Often typical densitydependent effects such as lowered initial reproduction, reduced early survival of calves, and subsequent calf, yearling and juvenile survival are used to justify the contention that there are too many herbivores. But such reasoning is flawed unless cause/effect relationships are established and the role of environmental variation is evaluated. We argue that it is overly simplistic to believe that every population’s subsequent performance and fate will follow a singular pattern with only one paramount factor driving and ultimately dictating an inevitable outcome. The relative importance of unpredictable abiotic factors in influencing and causing variation in the response of ungulate populations should be investigated, no matter whether those factors are sporadic or periodic.
The frequency of antlerless female caribou and reindeer in Alaska
Authors: Cronin Matthew A. , Haskell Shawn P. , Ballard Warren B.
Published: February 2013

The presence or absence of antlers in female caribou and reindeer may reflect genetic or nutritional effects. We classified antler status of female caribou of the Alaska Central Arctic Herd in 1994, 1995, and 2002, and female reindeer in two captive Alaskan herds in 1994. Of 3091 female caribou classified during three years, 152 (4.9%) were antlerless. Frequency of antlerless females in the Central Arctic Herd was similar to that of other Alaskan caribou herds. There were no antlerless females among 231 classified captive reindeer. We compared the frequency of antlerless females in the Alaskan herds with other herds, and possible nutritional and genetic influences on female antler status are discussed.
Effectiveness of spatial mitigation for the George River Caribou Herd within the military training area of Labrador and Québec
Authors: Trimper Perry G. , Chubbs Tony E.
Published: February 2013

The George River Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) Herd (GRCH) regularly migrates through the military Low Level Training Area (LLTA) used for jet training out of 5 Wing Goose Bay, Labrador. Potential disturbance to caribou by military aircraft has been mitigated through the reconfiguration of the LLTA in 1996 away from the traditional migration routes and the establishment of closure areas based on the locations of >20 adults fitted with satellite telemetry collars. In 2000 and 2001, we conducted seven aerial surveys to examine the caribou distribution and abundance within the northern portion and adjacent area of the LLTA during post-calving, summer dispersal, pre-rut and late winter. We flew transects to examine approximately 10% of areas traditionally used during each period. The timing and direction of cari¬bou movements through this region were similar to that observed in the 1990s. Collared caribou were a good indicator of movements of the GRCH through the LLTA. Closure areas based on the location of satellite collars and direction of movement, were found to enclose the majority of caribou observed within the LLTA. Most GRCH activity now occurs outside the LLTA as a result of reconfiguration.
Caribou, military jets and noise: The interplay of behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology
Authors: Harrington Fred H.
Published: February 2013

Whether a human activity is likely to have a negative impact on a species depends largely on how stimuli from that activity are interpreted and acted upon by individuals, within the context of their behavioural ecology. The interpretations and decisions made by individuals in response to these stimuli are largely governed by neural systems evolved by the species as adaptations to common and recurrent selective pressures. In this paper I will review previous findings concerning the responses of caribou to overflights by military jet aircraft in Labrador/Quebec and Alaska, casting them in an evolutionary psychological framework. One prediction from such an exercise is that identical stimuli (noise from jet overflights) that elicit similar responses (short-distance avoidance) can have quite different population consequences for sedentary (woodland) and migratory (barren-ground) ecotypes. For a female woodland caribou, which shares her calving range with a resident predator population, an increase in movements following disturbance may significantly increase her calf's exposure to predators. Similar movements by a female barren-ground caribou, which has fewer predators to contend with, may have only a negligible impact on her calf's predation risk. Thus woodland caribou may be more vulnerable to negative impacts of military jet noise during calving periods, dependent on predator density.
Voles, lemmings and caribou - population cycles revisited?
Authors: Gunn Anne
Published: February 2013

Although we may be confident that many caribou populations fluctuate, we have not made much progress in linking patterns of fluctuations with their underlying processes. Caribou abundance is relatively synchronized across continents and over decades which points to climatic variation as a causative factor. Progress on describing intrinsic and extrinsic factors for smaller-bodied and larger-bodied mammalian herbivore population dynamics also reveals the role of climatic variation and specifically decadal variations. Based on experience elsewhere, we can expect complex relationships between caribou, climatic variation and their forage rather than simple correlations. Caribou responses to decadal trends in climate likely accumulate through successive cohorts as changes in body mass which, in turn, leads to changes in lifetime reproductive success.
Population demography of high arctic caribou on Banks and Melville Islands
Authors: Larter Nicholas C. , Nagy John A.
Published: February 2013

Caribou numbers, Rangifer tarandus pearyi, (excluding calves) on Banks Island were estimated (standard error of the estimate) at 1005 (SE±133) in 1992, 709 (SE±128) in 1994 and 436 (SE±71) in 1998; no paired estimates were different (P<0.05). On Melville Island caribou numbers were similar in 1987 and 1997 with estimates of 729 (SE±104) and 787 (SE±97), respectively. We conducted annual sex and age classification surveys during July on Banks Island from 1994-2000 and on Melville Island from 1998-2000. The number of calves per 100 >two-year-old females ranged from 24.0 in 1994 to 74.3 in 1998 on Banks Island, and from 44.8 in 1999 to 80.0 in 1998 on Melville Island. Recruitment rate ranged from 18.6% during 1997/1998 to 27.5% during 1999/2000 on Banks Island and from 16.7% during 1997/1998 to 25.0% during 1999/2000 on Melville Island. There has been an increasing trend in the rate of recruitment on both islands during the last three years of the study.
Mapping caribou habitat north of the 51st parallel in Québec using Landsat imagery
Authors: Chalifoux Stéphanie , Saucier Isabelle , Doucet G. Jean , Lamothe Pierre
Published: February 2013

A methodology using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images and vegetation typology, based on lichens as the principal component of caribou winter diet, was developed to map caribou habitat over a large and diversified area of Northern Québec. This approach includes field validation by aerial surveys (helicopter), classification of vegetation types, image enhancement, visual interpretation and computer assisted mapping. Measurements from more than 1500 field sites collected over six field campaigns from 1989 to 1996 represented the data analysed in this study. As the study progressed, 14 vegetation classes were defined and retained for analyses. Vegetation classes denoting important caribou habitat included six classes of upland lichen communities (Lichen, Lichen-Shrub, Shrub-Lichen, Lichen-Graminoid-Shrub, Lichen-Woodland, Lichen-Shrub-Woodland). Two classes (Burnt-over area, Regenerating burnt-over area) are related to forest fire, and as they develop towards lichen communities, will become important for caribou. The last six classes are retained to depict remaining vegetation cover types. A total of 37 Landsat TM scenes were geocoded and enhanced using two methods: the Taylor method and the false colour composite method (bands combination and stretching). Visual inter¬pretation was chosen as the most efficient and reliable method to map vegetation types related to caribou habitat. The 43 maps produced at the scale of 1:250 000 and the synthesis map (1:2 000 000) provide a regional perspective of caribou habitat over 1200 000 km2 covering the entire range of the George river herd. The numerical nature of the data allows rapid spatial analysis and map updating.
Single-island home range use by four female Peary caribou, Bathurst Island, Canadian High Arctic, 1993-94
Authors: Miller Frank L. , Barry Samuel J.
Published: February 2013

Spatial and temporal use of seasonal, and collectively, annual ranges by four female Peary caribou (Rangifer taran-dus pearyi) was investigated using satellite telemetry. Knowledge of how caribou use space allows a better understanding of their demands on those ranges and enhances evaluation of associated environmental stressors. The study took place during an environmentally favorable caribou-year with high reproduction and calf survival and low (none detected) 1+ yr-old mortality, 1 August 1993 to 31 July 1994, Bathurst Island, south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands, Canadian High Arctic. All four females exhibited a pattern of single-island seasonal, and collectively, annual range use. Estimates of the maximum area encompassed by each individual during the course of the annual-cycle varied from 1735 to 2844 km2 (mean±SE = 2284±250 km2). Although, there was 46% spatial overlap among individual ranges, temporal isolation resulted in the four individuals maintaining seasonal ranges distinctly separate from each other. This collective area encompassed 4970 km2 and equaled about 31% and 18% of Bathurst Island and the Bathurst Island complex, respectively. Individual wintering areas formed a relatively small portion of each individual's annual range (mean±SE=71±17 km2): 24 km2, 158 days of occupation, <1% of the annual area; 70 km2, 187 days, 4%; 95 km2, 200 days, 4%; and 94 km2, 172 days, 6%. Seasonal movements were greatest during pre-rut and pre-calving.
9th North American Caribou Workshop, 23-27 April 2001, Kuujjuaq, Québec, Canada.
Authors: Haugerud (ed. in chief) Rolf Egil , Couturier Serge , Ginhoven (iss. eds.) Quentin Van
Published: February 2013

From April 23 to 27, 2001, more than 230 caribou experts migrated to the 9th North American Caribou Workshop, held at the treeline in the Inuit town of Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, Québec.
The occurrence and prevalence of potentially zoonotic enteropathogens in
Authors: Kemper Nicole , Aschfalk Ansgar , Höller Christiane
Published: February 2013

The information about pathogens excreted by semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) that might represent a health risk to humans and animals is insufficient. The objectives of this study are to find the occurrence and prevalence of important potentially enteropathogenic, zoonotic bacteria and parasites in reindeer. Faecal samples from clinically healthy, semi-domesticated reindeer (n=2243) from northern regions of Finland and Norway were examined for important potentially enteropathogenic bacteria (Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp.) and parasites (Cryptosporidium spp.) following standard procedures. Escherichia coli were isolated in 2123 (94.7%), Enterococcus spp. in 2084 (92.9%), Yersinia spp. in 108 (4.8%) samples and Campylobacter sp., identified as C. hyointestinalis, in one sample only (0.04%). Neither Salmonella spp. nor Cryptosporidium-oocysts were detected. This study clearly shows that E. coli and Enterococcus spp. belong to the normal intestinal flora of healthy reindeer. However, only few of the isolated E. coli-strains possess genes encoding stx1 (0.14%), stx2 (0%), eae (0.52%) and hlyEHEC (0.99%), detected by PCR, that have the ability to cause health problems in humans and also animals. The isolated Yersinia spp. were further analysed for virulence factors, but examinations revealed no pathogenic strains. The public health risk due to excretion of important enteropathogenic microorganisms from reindeer has to be considered very low at present but a putative epidemiological threat to human health might arise when herding conditions are changed towards intensification and crowding. This study was performed as part of the EU-project RENMAN (www.urova.fi/home/renman/). Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: Det er mangelfull kunnskap om hvorvidt det i reinmøkk kan finnes mikroorganismer som kan representere en helserisiko for dyr og mennesker. Hensikten med denne studien var å undersøke forekomsten av mulige sykdomsfremkallende mikroorganismer i reinmøkk. Prøver av reinmøkk ble samlet fra 2243 klinisk friske tamrein i nordre deler av Finland og Norge. Prøvene ble undersøkt for bakteriene Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. og parasitten Cryptosporidium spp. ved bruk av standardiserte laboratoriemetoder. E. coli ble funnet i 2123 prøver (94,7%), Enterococcus spp. i 2084 prøver (92,9%) og Yersinia spp. i 108 prøver (4,8%). Campylobacter spp., identifisert som Campylobacter hyointestinalis, ble bare funnet i én prøve (0,04%). Salmonella spp. og Cryptosporidium spp. ble ikke påvist. Videre undersøkelser av E. coli viste at bare svært få (<1%) av isolatene hadde gener som kodet for mulige sykdomsfremkallende toksiner. Videre undersøkelser av Yersinia spp. viste at ingen av disse isolatene var sykdomsfremkallende. Studien viser at helserisikoen knyttet til de undersøkte mikroorganismene i reinmøkk må betraktes som svært liten.
Factors limiting productivity of the Central Arctic Caribou Herd of Alaska
Authors: Haskell Shawn P. , Ballard Warren B.
Published: February 2013

Many biotic and abiotic factors can limit productivity and growth of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds, but limiting factors typically vary by region. Identifying limiting factors may help to indicate which seasons are of relative importance to a caribou herd and possibly to suggest general life history strategies. Using regression techniques, we found that despite previous suggestions, net productivity of Alaska’s Central Arctic Caribou Herd (CAH) did not respond to early summer forage biomass or summer insect severity from the previous year. Abiotic factors that did have apparent effects on CAH productivity included early fall snow deposition, winter snow condition, and spring snow ablation. To achieve a suitable weight for conception, caribou of the CAH may exhibit a seasonal time-minimizing foraging strategy by moderating weight gain during the warm summer insect season and feeding more intensively during the insect-free weeks before the autumn rut. A long-term trend of the Northern Hemisphere annular mode (NAM) may be linked to anthropogenic climate change and may have negative implications for the future success of the CAH.
Number of wild and domestic reindeer in Russia in the late 20th century
Authors: Baskin Leonid M.
Published: February 2013

The dynamics of wild and tame reindeer populations in Russia during 1991-99 are described. Causes of declining numbers during this period are suggested and comparison is made with population fluctuations in the past.
Survey-Sami and Indigenous Research
Authors: SESAM SESAM
Published: February 2013

Centre for Sami Studies at The University of Tromsø has by The Research Council of Norway been assigned to make a survey of Sami and Indigenous research going on in the Nordic countries.
Conference report (including non-peer reviewed articles) of the 13th Nordic Conference on Reindeer and Reindeer Husbandry Research, 23-25 August 2004, Røros, Norway.
Authors: Haugerud (Editor) Rolf Egil
Published: February 2013

The 13th Nordic Conference on Reindeer and Reindeer Husbandry Research gathered 75 participants representing the sciences, husbandry, management and education. The main topics were South Sami reindeer husbandry, the concession reindeer husbandry in South Norway and future aspects of reindeer industry. The main focus and other themes as well were discussed in lectures and poster presentations. The conference was arranged by Nordic Council for Reindeer Husbandry Research (NOR) in cooperation with Centre for Sami Studies, University of Tromsø. The conference was held in the South Sami area in the town of Røros. Rangifer Report No. 9, 2004, was published for the conference and included conference programme and abstracts. A proceedings report with articles based on the conference' lectures, is published here in this issue of Rangifer Report.
Challenges for establishing a modern reindeer dairy industry (In Norwegian with Summary in English)
Authors: Gjøstein Hallvard , Maristuen Knut , Ødegaard Olaf , Opdal Asgrim , Holand Øystein
Published: February 2013

To achieve efficient milk ejection has been a recurrent problem in machine milking of reindeer does. The field season 2004 was a breakthrough for an efficient and complete milk let down in reindeer. The proportion of residual milk was reduced as lactation progressed; from around 40-50% at start of the milking in mid June to around 10-15% in late August, suggesting that habituation and training are important factors for triggering the ejection. We performed an experiment including 3 treatments; 1) Calves equipped with a "kjevle" (a wooden stick placed in the mouth of the calves making them unable to suckle but keeping their grazing ability intact) for 8 - 14 hrs dependent of lactation stage, followed by milking of the does, 2) Physically separation of the mothers and their calves for 8 - 14 hrs dependent of lactation stage, followed by milking of the does and 3) Permanent separation of females and calves at start of the milking period and females milked twice per day. The females and calves in group 1 and 2 were rejoined after the "kjevle" and separation period. The females in these two groups were milked every second day. The "kjevle" treatment apparently works better than physical separ¬ation according to welfare parameters and proportion milk ejected in the first part of the milking period. Permanent separation did also work well and permits that the whole production after separation can be utilized. However, in order to keep up the milk production frequent milkings are required during the first days of separation. The growth of the calves was high and did not differ between treatments. This suggests that the calves are able to compensate the reduced milk intake by increasing their intake of forages.
Habitat use by domestic reindeer in relation to food quality and disturbance - need for research? (In Swedish with Summary in English)
Authors: Skarpe Christina , Halley Duncan
Published: February 2013

Competition for land in the mountains can be foreseen to increase in the near future. This development will result in trade offs and prioritization between the different demands for land. For reindeer husbandry it is essential to motivate the need for control over good grazing land for different seasons and situations, not only by preventing direct exploitation of such land, but also to minimize disturbance by traffic and people in the vicinity. It will therefore be important to demonstrate in quantitative terms 1) what habitat types and areas that are essential for the reindeer in different seasons and situations and for different activities (grazing, resting, protection for insects etc), and 2) how different forms and intensities of disturbance affect the reindeer. We plan a project with these aims and will primarily work with the summer grazing situation. For many years we have run a similar project related to sheep grazing in the vicinity of Hessdalen, and we have developed methods and techniques that to a large extent are applicable to reindeer. We will discuss methods and results from the sheep study, how they can apply to reindeer, and provide the quantitative information needed. We use modern, high resolution GPS telemetry with very high spatial resolution (95% within ca 6.4 m), and frequent recording, e.g., every five minutes during some periods. This provides knowledge not only of the movements by the animals in the landscape, but also on their activities and will be related to vegetation maps with the same accuracy as the telemetry data (from aerial photographs, offering higher resolution than available satellite data). Results show that sheep use only a very small portion of the available rangeland, and that selectivity varies with season and weather conditions. Almost certainly the situation is similar with reindeer, although the two species have rather different grazing pattern, with reindeer being much more mobile than sheep. We plan to use the same methods to describe what habitats and areas are essential for reindeer, and how it varies over time, with weather, insect abundance etc. The highly accurate telemetry also provides possibilities to quantify how different types and intensities of disturbance affects the habitat use and behavior of the different reindeer categories.
Acknowledgements; Preface
Authors: Valkenburg Patrick
Published: February 2013

Approximately 180 people attended the 10th North American Caribou Workshop which was held immedi¬ately following the annual meeting of the Northwest Section of The Wildlife Society. Participants came from Canada, Greenland, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States (primarily Alaska). Over 80 papers and posters were presented and about 25% of those are published here in this special edition of Rangifer. Many of the papers, including the keynote address by Dr. Gunter Weller, concerned climate change and global warming.