Decline of caribou in North America following settlement

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Bergerud, Arthur T.

Source:

Journal of Wildlife Management, The Wildlife Society, Volume 38, Issue 4, p.757-770 (1974)

Call Number:

A74BER01IDUS

Keywords:

Canis lupus, caribou, gray wolf, Rangifer tarandus

Abstract:

The numbers of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in North America generally declined in the 1800s and early 1900s. Four hypotheses are discussed relative to this decline: (I) numbers decreased because of a shortage of lichen supplies caused by the destruction of lichen pastures by fire and logging; (II) population declined because of increased hunting mortality, augmented by increased natural predation of some herds by wolves (Canis lupus); (III) a combination of hypotheses I and II above; and (IV) caribou declined in Alaska because of increased movement to marginal habitats with high numbers. This review supports hypothesis II--that numbers declined because of increased hunting mortality and natural predation of some herds, and argues that the range-destruction hypothesis has not been shown to be either a necessary or sufficient cause to explain the decline.