Status of the woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Alberta

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Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are currently on the Blue List of species that may be at risk in Alberta. Under the Alberta Wildlife Act, caribou are designated threatened because of reduced distribution, declines in regional populations, and threats of further declines associated with human activities. This report summarizes available information on the woodland caribou as a step toward updating its status in the province. The woodland caribou’s primary winter food source is lichen, and lichen is largely responsible for the caribou’s preference for mature to old forests. This specialized food source, not normally used by other ungulates, allows the caribou to spatially separate themselves from other species and reduce the risk of predation. Predation by wolves is the primary cause of caribou death and the most significant limiting factor for this species. Other industry activities that may reduce caribou habitat suitability are resource extraction in the form of forestry, mining, petroleum, and natural gas exploration and production, as well as agricultural expansion. Many of these activities create linear corridors that affect the movement and distribution of caribou and thereby provide easier access for predators and humans. Population and distribution of woodland caribou in Alberta have been reduced, but the number of caribou in the province remains largely unknown. There are extensive research and management programs ongoing in Alberta with the majority of research conducted in the last 10 years. Current land-use guidelines for industry have proven to be ineffective in terms of providing for long-term caribou conservation. Research and management undertaken by various regional standing committees have increased our knowledge of caribou ecology, but advancing this knowledge to better understand the effects of human activities on caribou is critical.

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Reference Code: U01DZU01IDUS

Full Citation (generic): Dzus, E. 2001. Status of the woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Alberta. Wildlife Status Report No. 30. I. M. G. Michaud, series editor. Alberta Environment, Fisheries and Wildlife Management Division; and Alberta Conservation Association, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 47 pp.

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology