Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #145: Ecology and Movement Patterns of Peary Caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and Wolves (Canis lupus) in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago  (High Arctic Caribou and Wolf Monitoring Project)

Outline
The status of both Peary caribou and wolves in the high Arctic Archipelago are unknown. Peary caribou populations are believed to have declined in recent years, however their movement patterns are unknown. The status of wolves in this region has never been well documented, but population trends are likely related to caribou distribution and numbers. Because of the vast area and remoteness of the high Arctic Archipelago the ecology of these species is little studied. Advancements in satellite radio tracking systems for wildlife now provide a solution to overcome much of the difficulty and cost associated with studying wide ranging species in remote Arctic areas. Argos Uplink Global Positioning System radio collars attached to Peary caribou and high Arctic wolves could provide important location data that could be used to infer habitat use from remote sensing satellite imagery, as well as foraging patterns during wolf denning periods. Additionally, we could study seasonal movement patterns of both species for the first time, perhaps uncovering details that may help us understand the supposed decline of Peary caribou, while allowing a first assessment of the population status of high Arctic wolves. An ecology/biology curriculum for high school students will be developed around project objectives, activities, and Arctic ecology. Animal location maps will be posted on a project web page and used as an educational tool raising awareness of high Arctic terrestrial wildlife and the challenges they face in their daily life. Recognisance flights and working with other Arctic researchers will inform us where to find Peary caribou to radio collar. Searching flights near caribou herds will lead us to wolves for collaring. Wildlife will be darted from either helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, biological measurements and samples will be collected for genetic and parasite analysis, and radio collars will be attached. The collars will be programmed to provide 1-3 locations per day. These locations will be acquired via a GPS receiver on the collar, then transmitted to a satellite and relayed to a land-based receiving station. The locations are then made available to the project team for analysis.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The status of these species is unknown. The proposed research program will inform of the status of their populations as well as provide new insights of their general ecology and relationship to the terrestrial system of the high Arctic. Movement patterns and satellite images will inform how proposed climate change in the polar regions could impact these animals and what it may mean to ecosystems. The movements of these two important and unique species have never been studied before. Perhaps Peary caribou travel thousands of kilometres every few years and the populations are not really in decline. Likewise, what this population of wolves does in the polar winter is unknown, this program would begin to build a basic understanding of the ecology of two important Arctic species.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Radio collared wildlife will likely range into the jurisdiction of other countries and relationships will be developed to coordinate any logistic planning required.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Canadian Arctic Archipelago

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07 – 07/07      06/08 – 07/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
We will need helicopters for darting caribou and wolves, and fixed wing aircraft for recognisance and transport. Fuel caches will be required for capture operations. We may be able to cooperate with polar bear capture efforts if they are happening concurrently. Helicopters in the area for any reason could be used for animal capture when not in some other activity.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

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

Relationships with other workers in the region will be developed and as much cooperation as possible will be carried out.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives.

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?
yes
This is a new project, but has the potential of becoming a long-term study.

How will the project be organised and managed?
As a Ph. D. program studying the ecology, movement patterns, and interactions of Peary caribou, high Arctic wolves, and their environment.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
To develop a web based Arctic ecology curriculum focusing on Peary caribou, wolves, and their environment.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Yet to be developed.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
No funding has been secured yet.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This project is still in preliminary planning but fits into the IPY framework well.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr  Paul Frame
University of Alberta
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton,AB
T6G 2E9
Canada

Tel: (780) 492-9878
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Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information