Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #52:Resource selection patterns of maternal mountain-dwelling caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) and neonate survival, nutritional trade-offs, and site fidelity.  (Resource selection patterns of maternal mountain-dwelling caribou)

Outline
Many mountain-dwelling caribou (R. t. caribou) populations throughout North America are experiencing or have experienced substantial population declines. Caribou are a valuable resource both ecologically and with respect to their importance as a game and subsistence species. Given that these populations have inherently low densities, the changing North may have significant consequences for caribou populations and the people who rely on them. These changes are due to both climatic effects and also increasing human development. Understanding how environmental factors influence population productivity and individual reproductive performance is a substantial piece of knowledge for effective management of this valuable resource. This project's goal is to investigate how landscape features specifically contribute to population- and individual-level parameters. Research will take place on the Chisana caribou herd, an international herd located in Alaska and Yukon. Specific objectives of the project include: developing spatially explicit maps of predation risk; temporally and spatially fine-scale maps of forage availability during the calving season using remotely sensed imagery; modelling neonate survival as a function of maternal habitat selection patterns; quantifying nutritional trade-offs incurred by maternal caribou through predator avoidance; and examining how behavioural strategies such as calving site fidelity may influence reproductive success. The project will use radio-telemetry data collected during the calving season to develop statistically advanced models of caribou responses to landscape features in an effort to understand how animal selection processes directly influence the reproductive fitness of female caribou, as measured through neonate survival. Low neonate survival is consistently noted as a primary cause of low productivity in caribou populations. Additional areas of investigation will include measuring nutritional trade-offs incurred by female caribou by selecting nutritionally sub-optimal habitats as a result of reducing predation risk. Nutritional requirements of maternal caribou peak during the calving season and nutritional factors have a substantial impact on the long-term growth and development of offspring which can also influence population productivity. The behavioural strategy of calving site fidelity will be examined with respect to its role in neonate survival. The consequences of site fidelity regarding survival have rarely been investigated in ungulates.Results from this project may provide biologists, managers, and communities with information and knowledge that can be used to mitigate negative impacts potentially arising from increasing development in the North (e.g., pipelines). Understanding current ecological processes may also provide insight into the impacts of climate change on the landscapes these populations occupy.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project provides a significant advancement of our understanding of how landscapes and environments influence ungulate populations. It will investigate how various elements of the landscape currently affect the productivity of ungulate populations (IPY Theme 1). By understanding the current ecological processes taking place, we enhance our ability to predict how the changing northern landscape may affect wildlife populations (IPY Theme 2). Finally, the relationships between northern ungulate populations and their habitats can be used to illustrate the relationship of wildlife species with the habitats they occupy in other locations, and use information from northern latitudes to help understand ecological relationships at a global level (IPY Theme 3).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project will involve a currently established partnership with members from Canada and USA including Yukon Fish and Wildlife Branch, Canadian Wildlife Service, White River First Nation, Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board, University of Alaska Fairbanks, US Geological Survey (Biological Resources Division), Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and US National Park Service (Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The study area is well suited for large mammal research as it is located largely within the protected areas of the eastern portion Wrangle/St. Elias National Park, Alaska and western portion of Kluane Wildlife Sanctuary, Yukon where anthropogenic factors affecting caribou behaviour are minimized (62°00’N, 141°00’W).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/07 – 10/07      04/08 – 10/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Primary logistic support necessary for the project will involve helicopter and fixed-wing transportation into the study area and for monitoring purposes, and fuel depots/caches. There is a strong potential for sharing of air transport among additional projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will make use of and maintain a field camp at Big Boundary Lake, Yukon near the Alaska border that has the potential for a legacy as a permanent field operations base camp for Asi Keyi (My Granfathers Land) Territorial Park when designated following land claims settlements for White River & Kluane First Nations. An "infrastructure" of international and multi-jurisdictional partnerships may however be the strongest legacy of the project.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Commercial operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
no

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
no
This project will be initiated in 2005 and builds upon the success of the recovery efforts for the conservation of the Chisana caribou herd. The success of both the recovery project and the development of the international and multi-jurisdictional team provides a strong basis to continue research efforts in this area.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed and organised through the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Assistance and participation by the members listed below will also be provided. The organisational infrastructure currently in place provides a strong foundation to manage the project. The project is not unrealistically large for one organisation to manage. The Institute of Arctic Biology will be responsible for coordinating and disseminating information to the other project participants.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Information from the project will be provided to the local communities through reports and presentations. These may be provided to local resource councils and First Nations. There is already a strong media interest in the recovery efforts of the Chisana herd which can also be used. The participation of the White River First Nation provides an important community for outreach activities to be directed toward.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Much of the data that will be developed includes geospatial surfaces (i.e., layers) for use in a GIS. These data products would be made available to organisations such as the ICSU World Data Center. Thorough documentation and metadata will follow international standards.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
It is estimated that the total project cost will be approximately $300,000. Funding is currently being sought from the National Science Foundation (USA) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service ($48,000). Funding will also be sought from NGOs and from the corporate sector.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project is truly international in scope and this pre-proposal submission is also being submitted to the US steering committee. Developing and fostering international partnerships during this time when ever-increasing pressures will be placed on northern ecosystems through both a changing climate and increasing development.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Doctoral Candidate Troy Hegel
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Institute of Arctic Biology
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK
99775
USA

Tel: (907) 455-3867
Mobile:
Fax:
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information