bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of variable snowpacks on habitat use by mountain caribou
Authors: Kinley Trevor A. , Goward Trevor , McLellan Bruce N. , Serrouya Robert
Published: February 2013

Mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in southeastern British Columbia subsist for most of the winter on arboreal hair lichen, mostly Bryoria spp. Foraging occurs mainly in old subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) forests near treeline. Here, the lower limit of Bryoria in the canopy is dictated by snowpack depth because hair lichens die when buried in snow. Bryoria is often beyond the reach of caribou in early winter, prompting caribou to move downslope to where lichen occurs lower in the canopy and other foraging modes are possible. Snowpacks are normally deep enough by late winter that caribou can reach Bryoria where it is most abundant, at high elevations. Extending this to inter-annual comparisons, Bryoria should be less accessible during late winter of low-snow years following normal winters, or of normal to low-snow years after deep-snow winters. We hypothesized that when maximum snowpack in late winter is low relative to the deepest of the previous 5 years, mountain caribou will use lower elevations to facilitate foraging (“lichen-snow-caribou” or LSC hypothesis). We tested this with late-winter data from 13 subpopulations. In the dry climatic region generally and for minor snowfall differences in wet and very wet regions, caribou did not shift downslope or in fact were at higher elevations during relatively low-snow years, possibly reflecting the ease of locomotion. The LSC hypothesis was supported within wet and very wet regions when snowpacks were about 1 m or more lower than in recent years. Elevation declined by 300 m (median) to 600 m (25th percentile) for snowpack differences of at least 1.5 m. Greater use of lodgepole pine and western hemlock stands sometimes also occurred. Management strategies emphasizing subalpine fir stands near treeline should be re-examined to ensure protection of a broader range of winter habitats used by caribou under variable snowpack conditions.
Managing fire for woodland caribou in Jasper and Banff National Parks
Authors: Shepherd Landon , Schmiegelow Fiona , Macdonald Ellen
Published: February 2013

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations in Jasper (JNP) and Banff National Parks (BNP) have declined since the 1970s, coincident with reduced fire activity in both parks, relative to historic levels. Some researchers have suggested that long periods without fire may cause habitat deterioration for woodland caribou, primarily by reducing available lichen forage. We examined winter habitat selection by woodland caribou at coarse and fine scales based on GPS-derived telemetry data and used models that included stand origin (decade), topography, and several stand structure variables that are related to time since fire, to explore relationships among caribou, lichen, and fire history. Based on the relationships illustrated by the models, we assessed how fire management could be applied to caribou conservation in JNP and BNP. At a coarse scale, caribou selected old forest (> 75 years) in landscapes that have likely experienced less frequent wildfire. While the abundance of Cladonia spp. influenced caribou use at fine scales, a preference for areas with older trees within stands was also significant. We conclude that short-term habitat protection for woodland caribou in JNP and BNP likely requires fire exclusion from caribou range.
Arboreal forage lichen response to partial cutting of high elevation mountain caribou range in the Quesnel Higland of east-central British Columbia
Authors: Waterhouse Michaela J. , Armleder Harold M. , Linnell Nemec Amanda F.
Published: February 2013

Group selection silvicultural systems have been recommended for managing mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) habitat in high elevation Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir forests in east-central British Columbia. We measured the response of arboreal lichen (a key winter forage) to harvesting of 30% of the forested area using three partial cutting treatments, which created small (0.03 ha), medium (0.13 ha), and large (1.0 ha) openings, and a no-harvest treatment. Treatments were replicated on four sites, and monitored over a ten year post-harvest period. The short-term loss of lichen associated with removal of approximately one third of the trees was partially offset by a significant (P=0.01) increase in lichen abundance on trees in the caribou feeding zone (up to 4.5 m) in the three partial cutting treatments relative to trees in the uncut forest. Differences among treatments in the change in lichen composition, as measured by the percentage of Alectoria sarmentosa and Bryoria spp., were marginally significant (P=0.10). The partial cutting treatments showing a greater likelihood of shifting towards more Bryoria spp. than no-harvest treatment (P=0.04). In the year of harvest (1993), larger trees were found to hold more lichen than smaller trees (P=0.04), and live trees supported more lichen than dead trees (P=0.01), but lichen loading was similar among tree species (P=0.51). Tree fall rates were similar among treatments, based on the ten year average (0.6–0.8% of sample trees per year). The results indicate that caribou foraging habitat is maintained in the residual forest when group selection systems that remove only 30% of the trees are applied. Information on the distribution of lichen is useful for developing stand level prescriptions. Providing lichen bearing habitat meets just one of the needs of caribou. A comprehensive approach that considers all factors and their interactions is essential to maintain and recover the threatened mountain caribou.
The effects of human land use on the winter habitat of the recovering Carcross woodland caribou herd in suburban Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Florkiewicz Rob , Maraj Ramona , Hegel Troy , Waterreus Marcus
Published: February 2013

Carcross woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) numbers are increasing as a result of an intensive management and recovery program initiated in 1993. In the last 13 years, three overlapping First Nation land claim agreements were settled resulting in a complicated array of private and public land management authorities on this winter range, situated in the Whitehorse periphery. Twelve years of VHF radio-collar data (1994-2005) and 5 years of GPS radio-collar data (2000-2005) for female caribou were assessed to determine winter concentration areas and important winter habitats. We contrasted locations from 11 GPS radio-collared caribou with land cover classes, derived from classified Landsat 7 imagery, to evaluate the distribution and abundance of preferred habitats within this winter range. We found significant use of Open Needle Leaf lichen vegetation classes and avoidance of the relatively more abundant Closed Needle Leaf class. Our resource selection function model validated the preference for Open Needle Leaf Lichen and determined that caribou were spaced significantly further from an estimate of the human Zone of Influence (ZOI) than was expected from random locations. While our assessment determined that 64% of the winter range was located outside of either private lands or land influenced by human activity, key winter vegetation classes were under-represented within this area. If caribou are to successfully recover on this landscape and persist through time it is essential to manage, through meaningful participation among land management authorities, the remaining caribou habitat for environmental rather than human consumptive values.
Movements of boreal caribou in the James Bay lowlands
Authors: Taylor M. E. , Ruthven M.
Published: February 2013

Little is known about the movements and home range of boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in the James Bay lowlands. As part of ongoing studies to measure the potential effects of the De Beers Victor Project on the local and regional environment, a study of woodland caribou was initiated. This study involves the use of GPS collars with Argos satellite system uplink to monitor movements of caribou. Additional aerial surveys of a study area (22 000 km2) in the early and late winter are used to provide an overall indication of the usage of the area around Victor by caribou and other wildlife. Animals were collared in December 2004 at varying distances from the Victor site (max. 60 km). Preliminary data for 2005 has been analysed. During 2005, some animals moved large distances >480 km from Victor, while others were relatively sedentary. One animal (from the total of ten) was harvested by a hunter in March. The only obvious trend in movement patterns occurred in the middle of November when all the collared animals began to move north-west. The daily distances moved in November were much greater (10-20 km/d) than earlier in the year (0.5-10 km/d) and by mid December they were all north and west of their locations when first collared, in some cases more than 480 km to the northwest of their initial capture sites. The minimum annual distances covered for the nine remaining animals ranged between 900 and 1500 km. The home ranges of the caribou ranged from 8000 km2 to 56 380 km2 with a mean home range of 23 434 km2, which is much greater than boreal woodland caribou in other parts of Ontario.
Using ultrasound measurements of rump fat to assess nutritional condition of woodland caribou in northern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Gustine David D. , Parker Katherine L. , Heard Douglas C.
Published: February 2013

Body reserves (fat and protein) of cervids are important to the reproductive success of individuals, and therefore may limit productivity of populations. We used a portable ultrasound machine to measure thickness of rump fat for 39 woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) captured in the winters (January–February) of 2003 and 2004. We compared thickness of rump fat between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals in the Besa-Prophet drainage of northern British Columbia, Canada. Thirty-eight of the 39 females captured in British Columbia were adults and 34 of the adult caribou were pregnant (89.5 ± 5.1%, x– ± binomial SE). Pregnant individuals had more rump fat (0.60 ± 0.067 cm) than nonpregnant animals (0.20 ± 0.029 cm). Recognizing that deposition and mobilization of fat vary with age and possibly across the winter season, ultrasonography can be used as a non-invasive technique in the field to assist in estimating body fat of caribou.
An integrated assessment of Porcupine caribou seasonal distribution, movements, and habitat preferences for regional land use planning in northern Yukon Territory, Canada
Authors: Ryder John L. , McNeil Philippa , Hamm Jeff , Nixon Wendy A. , Russell Don , Francis Shawn R.
Published: February 2013

This study was undertaken to improve understanding of Porcupine caribou herd distribution, movements, and habitat preferences to assist with developing a regional land use plan for the North Yukon Planning Region, Yukon Territory. Three different methods were used to identify current and historical patterns of caribou distribution and habitat preferences within the region to prioritize conservation areas. Two of the approaches focused on incorporating information on caribou distribution and migrations from scientific and local knowledge, while the third focused on identifying and mapping habitats suitable for supporting caribou. Local knowledge dating back to the 1930s and two decades of satellite telemetry data confirmed that most of the planning region is used by the Porcupine caribou herd and highlighted areas of concentrated use. Maps of suitable winter habitat derived from expert opinion ratings of habitat use did not agree with the other information sources. The local knowledge and satellite telemetry analyses were used to identify spatially explicit priority areas for caribou conservation and the results were applied to develop conservation recommendations for a draft regional land use plan. The plan will be submitted to government approval bodies for review in the spring of 2007. The success in implementing conservation strategies for the Porcupine caribou herd will be reviewed and evaluated following adoption of a final approved plan.
Preface - Managing Caribou Populations that are at Risk
Authors: Smith Kirby
Published: February 2013

Over 200 people attended the 11th North American Caribou Workshop which was held in Jasper, Alberta, Canada.
Effect of testosterone on antler growth in yearling male reindeer
Authors: Ryg Morten
Published: February 2013

1. The effect of exogenous testosterone on ander growth in yearling male reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) was tested. 2. Testosterone (33 mg/kg) inhibited antler growth, and in one animal induced cleaning and subsequent casting of the antlers. This animal grew a new set of antlers, which were cleaned at the normal time. 3. During treatment, there was an inverse relationship between peak testosterone levels and antler growth rate. 4. There was no effect of treatment on body weight or food intake. 5. It is concluded that the effects of testosterone on antler growth are qualitatively the same in reindeer as in other deer. However, because high testosterone doses were necessary to produce effects, it is questionable whether this hormone normally is responsible for the cessation of antler growth in reindeer.

Virkningen av testosteron på gevirvekst hos ettårige reinbukker.

Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: 1. Virkningen av testosteron på gevirvekst hos ett-årige reinbukker (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) ble undersøkt. 2. Testosteron (33 mg/kg) hemmet gevirveksten, og hos ett dyr førte behandlingen til at geviret ble feiet og deretter felt. Deretter vokste det ut ett nytt gevir, som ble feiet til vanlig tid. 3. Det var en negativ korrelasjon mellom maksimale testosteronnivåer og gevirvekst under behandlingen. 4. Det var ingen effekt på forinntak eller vektutvikling. 5. Det blir konkludert med at virkningen av testosteron på gevirvekst er kvalitativt den samme hos rein som hos andre hjortedyr. Det er likevel tvilsomt om testosteron normalt er ansvarlig for avslutningen av gevirvekst hos rein, fordi store testosterondoser måtte til for å få noen virkning.

Testosteronin vaikutus vuodenikåisten urosporojen sarvien kasvuun.

Abstract in Finnish / Tiivistelmä: 1. Tutkimuksessa seurattiin ruiskeena annetun testosteronin vaikutusta vuodenikåisten urosporojen (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) sarvien kasvuun. 2. Testosteron! (33 mg/kg) hidasti sarvien kasvua, aiheuttaen yhdesså elåimesså sarvien kelomisen ja pudottamisen. Talle elåimelle kasvoi uudestaan sarvet, jotka se keloi normaaliin aikaan. 3. Testosteronin huipputaso veresså oli kåsittelyaikana kååntåen verrannollinen sarvien kasvunopeuteen. 4. Kåsittely ei vaikuttanut elåinten ruumiinpainoon eikå niiden ruokahaluun. 5. Voidaan pååtellå testosteronin vaikutuksien sarvien kasvuun olevan porossa laadullisesti yhtålåiset kuin muissakin hirvielåimisså. Koska vaikutuksen aikaansaamiseksi vaadittiin korkeita testosteroniannoksia, voidaan kuitenkin pitåå kyseenalaisena, onko kyseinen hormoni normaalisti vastuussa poronsarven kasvun keskeytymisestå.
Granulomas in the tongue of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L)
Authors: Rehbinder Claes , Nordkvist Magnus
Published: February 2013

In 3 out of 33, 11 months old male reindeer which during around 3 months had been kept on comercial fodder, granulomas were found at autopsy, in the submucosa of the ventrolateral aspect of the tounge. In two of the granulomas were present worms of genus Onchocerca but also colonics of bacteria. The third granuloma comprised of a suppurative small necrotizing ulceration of the mucosa containing vegetable cells and a granuloma in the underlaying submucosa containing filamentous bacteria typical for necrobacillosis. Outbreaks of necrobacillosis, affecting the mouth and digestive organs, in connection with supplementary feeding, appears to be of multifactorial genesis. Abrasions or other injuries of the oral mucosa caused by parasitic granulomas or sharp vegetable matters in the fodder or from troughs may contribute to outbreaks of necrobacillosis.

Granulom i tungan på ren (Rangifer tarandus L)

Abstract in Swedish / Sammanfattning: På 3 av 33, 11 månaders renar som gått i utfodring i c:a 3 månaders tid, påvisades, vid obduktion, submucosa årtstora granulom ventro-lateralt på tungan. I två av fallen inneholl granulomen maskar av genus Onchocerca men också bakteriehårdar medan i det tredje fallet forelåg en mindre suppurativ necrotiserande ulceration i mucosan innehållande våxtdelar medan i underliggande submucosa fanns ett granulom innehållande bakteriehårdar, med filamentosa bakterier, typiska for necrobacillos. Utbrott av necrobacillos, affecterande munhåla och digestionsorgan, i samband med utfodring av ren torde vara orsakade av ett flertal olika faktorer. Skador i munslemhinnan orsakade av vassa våxtdelar i foder eller från krubbor eller av suppurerande parasitåra granulom torde kunna vara bidragande orsaker till utbrott av necrobacillos.
Øyvind Ravna; Clarifying legal relations and prescribing rules of use in reindeer husbandry areas. A study regarding use of land consolidation procedures
Authors: Torp Eivind
Published: February 2013

Rettsutgreiing og bruksordning i reindriftsområder. En undersøkelse med henblikk på bruk av jordskiftelovgivningens virkemidler. [Clarifying legal relations and prescribing rules of use in reindeer husbandry areas. A study regarding use of land consolidation procedures].
Experiences from 40 years of muskox (Ovibos moschatus) farming in Norway
Authors: Blix Arnoldus Schytte , Ness John , Lian Hans
Published: February 2013

Experiences from the management of a semi-domesticated herd of muskoxen, mostly on an island outside Tromsø (~70º N; 19º E), over a period of 40 years have been collected, and data on husbandry practices, reproduction, diseases and longevity are presented and discussed.
The establishment of a scientific field: The history of reindeer husbandry research in Sweden 1900-1970
Authors: Lantto Patrik
Published: February 2013

The focus of this article is the development of reindeer husbandry research as a scientific field within thenatural sciences, 1900-1970. Up until after World War II, research within this field was mostly carried out by socialscientists, while it was given very limited attention within the natural sciences. From the late 1940s this changed, as interest in reindeer husbandry research grew and more academic disciplines became involved, and during the following decades the field became established. The article examines research initiatives focused on reindeer husbandry within the natural sciences during the first half of the 20th century, discussing the motives for these studies as well as why they did not lead to the establishment of a scientific field. It then turns to the development after World War II, analyzing why reindeer husbandry research was established so quickly, and how the field developed up until 1970, both nationally within Sweden and as a Nordic cooperation.
Problems and challenges for user participation: The system of representation in reindeer husbandry in Norway
Authors: Ulvevadet Birgitte
Published: February 2013

This article is based on a case study of reindeer husbandry management in Norway. I argue that the inclusion of resource users in a co-management process may at times increase social tension and weaken the system of governance. The co-management experience indicates that the system works well in most areas. However, because of the differences in contextual circumstances, the system suffers from a legitimacy deficit with respect to how representatives are appointed and how interests are distributed among the various boards. The study argues that even if policies and institutions are adapted to local contexts, there may be a need for a stronger connection between the co-management boards and other institutions, such as the Sami Parliament and the Reindeer Husbandry Administration. Specifically, I argue that instead of increasing legitimacy through equal user-group representation in management decision making, the very structures of the system—in particular, nominations and appointments—may lead to unequal user-group representation and thus threaten the success of the management system.
Historical changes in caribou distribution and land cover in and around Prince Albert National Park: land management implications
Authors: Arlt Maria L. , Manseau Micheline
Published: February 2013

In central Saskatchewan, boreal woodland caribou population declines have been documented in the 1940s and again in the 1980s. Although both declines led to a ban in sport hunting, a recovery was only seen in the 1950s and was attributed to wolf control and hunting closure. Recent studies suggest that this time, the population may not be increasing. In order to contribute to the conservation efforts, historical changes in caribou distribution and land cover types in the Prince Albert Greater Ecosystem (PAGE), Saskatchewan, were documented for the period of 1960s to the present. To examine changes in caribou distribution, survey observations, incidental sightings and telemetry data were collated. To quantify landscape changes, land cover maps were created for 1966 and 2006 using current and historic forest resources inventories, fire, logging, and roads data. Results indicate that woodland caribou are still found throughout the study area although their distribution has changed and their use of the National Park is greatly limited. Results of transition prob¬abilities and landscape composition analyses on the 1966 and 2006 land cover maps revealed an aging landscape for both the National Park and provincial crown land portions of the PAGE. In addition, increased logging and the development of extensive road and trail networks on provincial crown land produced significant landscape fragmentation for woodland caribou and reduced functional attributes of habitat patches. Understanding historical landscape changes will assist with ongoing provincial and federal recovery efforts for boreal caribou, forest management planning activities, and landscape restoration efforts within and beyond the Park boundaries.
Modeling influences on winter distribution of caribou in northwestern Alaska through use of satellite telemetry
Authors: Joly Kyle
Published: February 2013

I hypothesize that the distribution of barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) is affected by multiple, interrelated factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, terrain and snow characteristics as well as predation pressure and habitat. To test this hypothesis, I attributed caribou locations derived from satellite telemetry over a 6 year period with terrain (elevation, slope, aspect, and ruggedness), habitat characteristics, and moose density - potentially an index of wolf predation pressure. These locations were compared to random locations, attributed using the same data layers, using logistic regression techniques to develop resource selection functions (RSFs). I found that caribou moved significantly less during mid-winter than early- or late-winter and that cows moved significantly more in April than bulls due to their earlier departure on their spring migration. Distribution was different between cows and bulls. Terrain variables were important factors but were scale-dependent. Cows avoided forested areas, highlighting the importance of tundra habitats, and selected for dwarf shrub, with relatively high lichen cover, and sedge habitat types. Bulls selected for dryas, coniferous forest and dwarf shrub habitats but against lowland sedge, upland shrub and burned tundra. Cow distribution was negatively correlated with moose density at the scale of the Seward Peninsula. My results support the hypothesis that caribou distribution during winter in northwest Alaska is affected by multiple, interrelated factors. These results may be useful for researchers to track and/or model changes in future patterns of range use over winter.
The West Central Alberta Woodland Caribou Landscape Plan: Using a Modeling Approach to Develop Alternative Scenarios
Authors: Hubbs Anne , Weclaw Piotr , Sullivan Michael , McCutchen Nicole
Published: February 2013

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are classified as threatened in Alberta. In support of Canada's Species at Risk Act, a Recovery Plan for Woodland Caribou in Alberta was completed in 2004 which required local implementation plans to be completed within 5 areas of the province. The West Central Alberta Caribou Landscape Plan (WCCLP) is the first of these to be initiated and it addresses the recovery strategies for 4 herds. Two aspatial computer models built on the STELLA© modelling platform (ISee Systems, 2007) were used to assist the planning team in evaluating cumulative effects and alternative scenarios for caribou conservation. The ALCES© (Forem Technologies 2008) modelling tool was used to forecast potential changes in the west central Alberta landscape over time. Yearly landscape condition outputs from ALCES© were then exported into a caribou-specific population model, REMUS© (Weclaw, 2004), that was used to project potential population responses by woodland caribou, other primary prey species [moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus elaphus) and deer (Odocoileus sp.)] and wolves (Canis lupus) (Weclaw & Hudson, 2004). Simulated habitat management strategies that resulted in the highest likelihood of caribou recovery included the maintenance of a high proportion of old forest, the aggregation of industrial footprints and the reclamation of historic seismic lines (although the latter took decades to provide real dividends). Sharing of industrial roads, protection of fragments of old-growth, and expanding an already aggressive fire control strategy in Alberta had little additional effect on caribou recovery. Simulated population management strategies that were successful all involved decades of intensive wolf control, either directly or indirectly through intensive primary prey control (with the exception of woodland caribou) until old-growth forests recovered to densities that provided caribou habitat and decreased alternate prey of wolves. Although this modelling approach makes broad assumptions, it provides simple fundamental relationships that were useful in a multi-stakeholder team setting when evaluating the efficacy of different management strategies for the conservation of woodland caribou.
Traditional ecological knowledge among Sami reindeer herders in northern Sweden about vascular plants grazed by reindeer
Authors: Inga Berit , Danell Öje
Published: February 2013

Traditional knowledge about how reindeer utilize forage resources was expected to be crucial to reindeer herders. Seventeen Sami reindeer herders in four reindeer herding communities in Sweden (“samebyar” in Swedish) were interviewed about plants species considered to be important reindeer food plants in scientific literature. Among 40 plant species, which the informants were asked to identify and indicate whether and when they were grazed by reindeer, they identified a total of 21 plant taxa and five plant groups. They especially recognised species that were used as human food by the Sami themselves, but certain specific forage plants were also identified. Detailed knowledge of vascular plants at the species level was surprisingly general, which may indicate that knowledge of pasture resources in a detailed species level is not of vital importance. This fact is in sharp contradiction to the detailed knowledge that Sami people express for example about reindeer (as an animal) or snow (as physical element). The plausible explanation is that observations of individual plant species are unnecessarily detailed information in large-scale reindeer pastoralism, because the animals graze freely under loose herding and border surveillance.
Mapping long-term spatial trends of the Taimyr wild reindeer population
Authors: Petrov Andrey N. , Pestereva Anna V. , Kolpashchikov Leonid A. , Mikhailov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2013

This report presents preliminary results of mapping and analyzing wild reindeer spatial dynamics in Taimyr, Russia. We collected, spatially referenced, and systematized comprehensive aerial and land survey information spanning from 1969 to 2003, which is the most complete long-term data available about a wild reindeer herd in Eurasia. The report introduces some of the mapping products and presents a summary of our observations on spatiotemporal changes in reindeer distribution and migration. Using these data and new digital products in the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment, we were able to observe the long-term shift of the Taimyr Reindeer Herd's summer, winter, and calving areas to the east and south with a simultaneous expansion of the habitat. We identified and confirmed locations of large reindeer concentrations (herds) seasonally formed throughout the study period. Using the most recent summer survey data (2009) we also were able to confirm the existence of two major migration flows in the fall: eastern (most reindeer) and western.
Using Indigenous stories in caribou co-management
Authors: Bayha Walter
Published: February 2013

One day my dream would be to write a policy in my own language and let somebody else interpret. I think my days of interpreting are going down steadily. I’d rather just talk my language these days and leave it at that. As an officer I used to do a lot of judging. I was trained to do that. After I left the Wildlife Service, my wife said to me, “How come you don’t ask those questions anymore?” I said, “I don’t have to. I don’t need to. I just want to be a Dene, like the wildlife out there. Continue being a human being.” As a Dene person I’m taught to listen, to respect people, especially in learning centres because those are like my grandfather. I was taught never to ask questions. I don’t, out of respect. We don’t do that today anymore. The first thing I learned in school was the word “why.” I can think right back when I was growing up as a small child there was no word “why” or “what for.” I had to learn very quickly that if I’m going to be a human being in the future, then I’m going to have to start behaving so that my people will live. Our history is written on the land, in the placenames and the stories, in the language. It’s so important. Our people are disappearing very quickly.
New caribou crisis – then and now
Authors: Ruttan Robert A.
Published: February 2013

The reported decline of the Bathurst herd has caused considerable concern and has raised rumours of a “crisis” in which there is a possibility of extinction. This paper reflects on relevant lessons learned from the officially declared “crisis” of population decline in 1955/56 and a second crisis of overpopulation identified by the author a decade later.
Towards a Manitoba Hydro boreal woodland caribou strategy: Outcomes from Manitoba Hydro boreal woodland caribou workshop
Authors: Scurrah Fiona E. , Schindler Doug W.
Published: February 2013

Manitoba Hydro is responsible for the continued supply of energy to meet the needs of the province and is committed to protecting the environment when planning the construction and operation of its facilities. Corporate policy dictates ongoing improvement of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in order to meet or surpass regulatory requirements. Environmental objectives are reviewed annually and programs are modified when necessary to address improvements in environmental performance. Manitoba Hydro plans and constructs major transmission projects throughout northern Manitoba which includes areas occupied by boreal woodland caribou. In recognition of the potential issues associated with hydro transmission construction in boreal caribou range, Manitoba Hydro hosted an expert workshop on May 8, 2007 to provide objective advice in the development of a draft corporate strategy that effectively directs targeted monitoring and research for environmental assessment and mitigation. The workshop focused on assessing the potential threats to boreal woodland caribou from a transmission line construction and operation perspective, and identifying appropriate approaches in site selection and environmental assessment (SSEA) and long-term monitoring and research. A total of nine threat categories were reviewed to determine the degree and magnitude of potential effects that may result from transmission construction and operation; and of the original nine, five final threat categories were delineated. The main elements of the workshop provided strategic approaches for proactive pre-construction monitoring, research on recruitment and mortality for local populations impacted by ROWs and control areas, and various habitat monitoring, management, and mitigation techniques. Research and monitoring priorities have been identified and continued collaboration with Manitoba Conservation and other land users were also identified.
Delineating demographic units of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Ontario: cautions and insights
Authors: Shuter Jennifer L. , Rodgers Arthur R.
Published: February 2013

Delineating demographic structure across an organism’s range can reveal the extent to which population dynamics in different geographic areas are driven by local or external factors and can be crucial for effective conservation and management. Obtaining optimal data for such analyses can be time and resource-intensive and impending development and resource extraction pressures may necessitate the examination of existing data, even when they are less than ideal. We analyzed a historic telemetry dataset containing satellite radio-collar locations of 73 forest-dwelling woodland caribou in northern Ontario to determine demographic structure. We applied several clustering methods (i.e., agglomerative, divisive and fuzzy k-means) to median seasonal locations. Results were used to distinguish demographic units and minimum convex polygons and fixed-kernel density estimates were used to delineate unit boundaries and core areas. For areas where sampling was considered representative of the distribution of caribou on the landscape, we assessed demographic distinctness by evaluating intra-individual variation in cluster membership, membership strength and distance between boundaries and core areas of adjacent units. The number and composition of clusters identified was similar among methods and caribou were grouped into 6 general clusters. The distinctions between the three clusters identified in the central portion of the province (i.e., Lac Seul, Wabakimi, Geraldton) and the two clusters identified in the eastern portion of the province (i.e., Cochrane and Cochrane-Quebec) were determined to represent demographic structuring. Additional distinctions in other areas (i.e., between The Red Lake and Lac Seul clusters in the west and between the central and eastern clusters) may just be artifacts of the original sampling effort. Amongst demographic units, there was no evidence of individual flexibility in cluster membership and average membership strength was very high. There was little to no overlap between boundaries and core areas of adjacent units, but distances between adjacent unit boundaries were relatively low. Additional sampling effort is needed to further delineate demographic structure in Ontario caribou.
Are warbles and bots related to reproductive status in West Greenland caribou?
Authors: Cuyler Christine , White Robert R. , Lewis Keith , Soulliere Colleen , Gunn Anne , Russell Don E. , Daniel Colin
Published: February 2013

In March-April 2008-09, using CARMA protocols, 81 cows and 16 calves were collected in West Greenland from two caribou populations; Akia-Maniitsoq (AM) and Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut (KS). In both populations, warble larvae numbers were highest in calves and higher in non-pregnant than pregnant cows. Nose bots showed no relationship with pregnancy or lactation; KS calves had higher nose bot loads than cows, a pattern not observed in AM. Pregnant cows had more rump fat than non-pregnant cows. KS cows lacking rump fat entirely had the highest warble burdens. We observed lactating pregnant cows with moderate larval burdens. Projected energy cost of the heaviest observed combined larvae burdens was equivalent to 2-5 days basal metabolic rate (BMR) for a cow, and 7-12 days BMR for a calf. Foregone fattening in adult cows with average burdens was 0.2 to 0.5 kg, but almost doubled with the heaviest infestations to 0.4 and 0.8 kg. Average burdens in calves resulted in forgone fattening of about 0.5 kg, with peak costs equivalent to 0.7 and 1.1 kg fat for AM and KS calves respectively. Although modest, these projected energy costs of hosting larvae for cows support the negative relationship between rump fat and larvae burden. For calves, hosting high burdens of warble larvae could affect winter survival, specifically those weaned normally in October or in early winter. Harmful effects of oestrid larvae burdens may remain subtle but clearly cumulative in relation to seasonal forage availability and incidence of other parasites.
A conceptual model for migratory tundra caribou to explain and predict why shifts in spatial fidelity of breeding cows to their calving grounds are infrequent
Authors: Gunn Anne , Poole Kim G. , Nishi John S.
Published: February 2013

Calving grounds of migratory tundra caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have two prominent characteristics. Firstly, the cows are gregarious, and secondly, the annual calving grounds spatially overlap in consecutive years (spatial fidelity). The location of consecutive annual calving grounds can gradually shift (either rotationally or un-directional) or more rarely, abruptly (non-overlapping). We propose a mechanism to interpret and predict changes in spatial fidelity. We propose that fidelity is linked to gregariousness with its advantages for individual fitness (positive density-dependence). Our argument is based on a curvilinear relationship between the density of cows on the calving ground (which we use to index gregariousness) and spatial fidelity. Extremely high or low densities are two different mechanisms which can lead to reduced spatial fidelity to annual calving grounds and reflect the caribou’s adaptive use of its calving ranges.
Trykkfeil - Erratum in Rangifer 1983, 3 (2): 19-28
Authors: Skjenneberg (ed.) Sven
Published: February 2013

Unfortunately, the animal groups of Table 1 have been transposed. Below is the correct Table 1 showing the effect of four anti-helmintica against some important parasites of reindeer.

In Swedish: En jämforande studie av effekten av fyra anthelmintika mot några betydelsesfulla parasiter hos ren, Rangifer 1983, 3 (2): 19 - 38, har i Tabell 1 djurgrupperna olyckligtvis blivit omkastade. Nedan visas den korrekta Tabell 1.
Kvantitativa undersökningar av några trädlavsarter tilhörande släkterna Alectoria och Bryoria
Authors: Sparrevik E.
Published: February 2013

Inom forsoksområdena beraknades de fastsittande tagellavs-forråden till mellan 0,3 - 0,2 - 34,3 - 10,8 kg/ha for garnlav (Alectoria sarmentosa) och 16,9 - 2,2 - 35,2 - 9,2 kg/ha for Bryoria spp. Linjetaxeringsmetoden gav ett kalkylerat nedfallet betesforråd varierande från 0 - 8,5 - 2,7 kg/ha per undersokningstillfalle, medan med korgforsoket ett beraknat betesforråd på 35,7 - 2,8 kg/ha under perioden 26/11 1981 till 24/6 1982 av huvudsakligen Bryoria spp. erholls. Signifikant positiv korrelasjon mellan lavbiomassa/trad (Bryoria spp.) och trådhojd, traddiameter, nedre krondiameter, grenlangd och antal grenar upp till 2,5 m hojd konstaterades.
Vinterbeiteekvivalent - et uttrykk for det forholdsmessige næringsbehov hos rein gjennom vinteren
Authors: Lenvik Dag
Published: February 2013

I en administrativ og forvaltningsmessig sammenheng er det fortsatt all grunn til å beholde "antall rein i vårflokken" som referanse og dimensjoneringsbegrep for reinflokkene. Det samme gjelder bruken av "kg kjøtt pr. rein i vårflokken" som måleenhet og sammenligningsgrunnlag for effektiviteten i reinkjøttproduksjonen. Å referere til VBE, - ved angivelse av beitekapasitet, eller som "antall VBE i vårflokken", har fordeler i sammenheng med veiledning, undervisning og forskning.
Optimal hjordsammansättning - ett systemanalytisk problem
Authors: Danell Öje
Published: February 2013

Optimal hjordsammansättning - ett systemanalytisk problem.
Genetiske effekter og flokkstruktur hos rein
Authors: Røed Knut
Published: February 2013

Den betydelige genetiske forskjellen mellom villrein og tamrein kan derfor forklares ut ifra en seleksjon for større kalver innen tamreindrifta.
Economic comparison of two methods of supplementary feeding in Finnish reindeer management
Authors: Helle T. , Walters C.
Published: February 2013

The most common methods are (1) supplementary feeding with dry hay (maximally 50 kg per head a season) on natural ranges in mid and late winter, and (2) corral feeding, where the reindeer are fed in small yard-corrals with hay, green silage, lichen, molasses and commercial reindeer feeds for 3-5 months a winter.
Parningsperioden hos svensk skogsren
Authors: Mossing Torgny
Published: February 2013

Ett fåtal parningar skedde innan 1/10 och huvuddelen sker inom en 2-veckorsperiod i bor jan av oktober, varefter parningssasongen stracker sej in i november.
1) Driftsøkonomi med planlegging 2) Wild reindeer of the Soviet Union
Authors: Skjenneberg Sven
Published: February 2013

Ansgar J. Kosmo. 1986. "Driftsøkonomi med planlegging". Reindriftsadministrasjonen, Alta. 111s. (Foreligger i januaer 1986). Utgis i samarbeid med Samisk utdanningsråd.

E.E. Syroechovskij (ed.). 1984. "Wild reindeer of the Soviet Union". English version by U.S. Department of Interior and National Science Foundation. Lectures presented at a research conference at Dudinka, Taimyr in 1975. 43 lectures , some also with direct importance for the reindeer husbandry.
Ultrastructure of the cysts of Sarcocystis rangi from skeletal muscle of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus)
Authors: Gjerde Bjørn
Published: February 2013

Mature muscle cysts of Sarcocystis rangi from Rangifer tarandus were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The long and slender cysts were located within skeletal muscle cells, and were bounded by a unit membrane, the cyst membrane. The cysts were provided with closely spaced flexible, hairlike surface processes, measuring up to 12.6 |im in length and 0.3 to 0.6 \lm in diameter. The projections had a smooth surface, whereas the cyst membrane formed numerous hexagonally packed vesicular invaginations between the bases of the projections. The cyst membrane was reinforced by an underlying thin layer of electron-dense material, except at the points where it was invaginated. Cyst ground substance formed a thin layer at the periphery of the cysts, filled the core of the projections, and formed thin septa that divided the interior of the cysts into numerous compartments. Most compartments contained a large number of tightly packed cystozoites, whereas a few metrocytes were forund in each of a few compartments at the periphery of the cysts. Some of the cystozoites multiplied by endodyogeny. The metrocytes displayed a vacuolation of their cytoplasm. The cysts of S. rangi were similar in surface morphology to the sarcocysts of certain other Sarcocystis species reported from other intermediate hosts.

Ultrastrukturen til cyster av Sarcocystis rangi frå skjelettmuskulaturen hos rein.

Abstract in Norwegian / Samandrag: Muskelcyster av S. rangi frå rein vart undersøkt ved transmisjonselektronmikroskopi. Dei lange cystene låg intracellulært i skjelettmuskelceller, og var avgrensa av ein elementærmembran, cystemembranen. Cystene var utstyrt med talrike hårliknande overflateprosessar, som strekte seg langsetter cysteoverflata. Prcsessane var opptil 12.6 Hm lange, og målte 0.3 til 0.6 \lm i diameter. Prosessane hadde ei glatt overflate, medan cystemembranen danna talrike regelmessige ordna, små invaginasjonar innimellom basis av prosessane. Cystemembranen var forsterka på innsida av eit tunnt lag av elektrontett materiale, med unnatak av dei stadene der han var invaginert. Cystegrunnsubstans danna eit lag perifert i cystene, fylte det indre av prosessane, og danna septa som delte cystene inn i talrike kammer. Dei fleste kammera inneheldt cystozoitar, medan metrocytar fannst i nokre få, små kammer perifert i cystene. Nokre av cystozoitane gjennomgjekk ei todeling ved endodyogeni. Mange metrocytar hadde eit vakuolisert cytoplasma. Cystene til S. rangi var svært like cystene til visse Sarcocystis-3.net frå andre mellomvertar med omsyn til overflatemorfologi.
Situasjonen i Norge etter Tsjernobyl og tiltak som iverksettes
Authors: Bye Karstein
Published: February 2013

Målet for alle forsøkene er en praktisk anvendelse i reindriften. Foring med kraftfor, med slikkestein rik på kalium som tilskudd, synes å være det mest aktuelle tiltaket foreløpig. På sikt (neste slaktesesong) kan bruk av ferrocyanider bli det mest effektive tiltak for å hindre opptak av cesium.
Om Linguatula arctica, reinens bihulmark
Authors: Haugerud Rolf Egil
Published: February 2013

Linguatula arctica, a newly described pentastomid species, is found in the nasal sinuses of the reindeer. It seems to cover the reindeer distribution. The prevalence in Norwegian reindeer herds is fairly high for an almost unknown parasite. L. arctica infects mostly calves. This led to the hypothesis that the reindeer mounts an immune response against the invader. The author discusses possible detrimental effects and proposes management efforts to control the parasite. Briefly, veterinary treatment is reviewed.
Effekten av akutt sult og emosjonelt stress på vommiljø og kjøttkvalitet i rein
Authors: Mathiesen Svein D. , Ursin Holger , Sundberg Håkan , Orpin Colin G. , Blix Arnoldus Schytte
Published: February 2013

Resultatene er derfor hittil negative når det gjelder vår hypotese om at stress påvirkervommiljøet og dermed kjøttkvaliteten. Det er imidlertid tvilsomt om dyrene som var slaktet i Kautokeino var tilstrekkelig stresset til å gi et klart utslag. Det bør i denne sammenheng fremheves at det ikke ble påvist dårlig lukt eller andre subjektive tegn på dårlig kjøttkvalitet under slaktingen.
Photos of the conference
Authors: Nieminen Mauri
Published: February 2013

Mauri Nieminen is the photographer of the series of pictures from the conference.