Survival, Natality, and Calf Weights of Caribou on the Alaska Peninsula, 1998-211 1999. Final Report

摘要

In 1999, 93% and 77% of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) cows > or = 2 years old were211u001epregnant in the Southern Alaskan Peninsula (SAP) and Northern Alaska Peninsula 211u001e(NAP) caribou herds, respectively. Weights of neonatal calves were not different 211u001ebetween the 2 herds or between calves from the NAP in 1999 versus 1998. Calves 211u001efrom SAP were heavier in 1999 than in 1989. Through 18 June 1999, 11 of 49 (22%) 211u001eradiocollared calves died. By 26 June, another 11 calves died; and by 23 August 6 211u001emore were dead, resulting in an overall loss off 66%. Predators, primarily wolves 211u001e(Canis lupus) and brown bears (Ursus arctos), killed most of the calves for which 211u001ethe cause of death could be determined.