 |
Cape
Bathurst Herd
The Cape
Bathurst herd was first censused as a distinct herd in 2000. A
photocensus was completed in early July 2000, however due to cool windy
weather, the herd did not aggregate very well. As a result the
population estimate of 10, 013 obtained for 2000 should be considered a
minimum. Data obtained during photocensus surveys completed on the
“Bluenose” herd in 1987, 1998, and 2000 were re-analyzed to estimate
population trends.
Another
photocensus was conducted during the summer of 2005. The results of this
census show the Cape Bathurst herd has declined to an estimate of 2,400
animals.
A photocensus survey, completed in July, 2006, showed that the
Cape Bathurst Herd had declined further to an estimated 1,800 animals.
Calving
ground surveys were done to estimate productivity. In 2002 and 2003 cow calf
ratios in late June were 32 and 47 calves per 100 cows, respectively. The
cow calf ratios appear to have increased during recent years.
|
Year
|
Population Estimate (non calf)
|
Range (95% CI) |
|
1987 |
14,529 |
11,987 – 17,071
|
|
1992 |
17,521 |
12,169 – 22,873
|
|
2000 |
10,013 |
8,881 – 11,145
|
|
2005 |
2,400 |
2,160 – 2,570 |
| 2006 |
1,821 |
1,672
– 1,970 |
|
