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McLean,
B.D. 1992. An aerial survey of muskoxen north of Great Bear Lake,
August, 1987. 19 pp.
ABSTRACT
An
aerial strip transect survey of the area north of Great Bear Lake to the
Arctic coast and between the Anderson-and Hornaday rivers was conducted
between 26 August and 3 September 1987.
The survey documented numbers and distribution of muskoxen (ovibos
moschatus). The total
number of muskoxen observed on transect was 316 non-calves plus 35
calves. The resulting
estimate was 3040 + 1296 (SE of estimate) non-calf muskoxen.
An additional 176 noncalves plus 9 calves were observed off
transect. The overall calf
percentage of 9% is low. Mean group size, excluding calves was 20.7 + 16.5 (SD)
and 22.0 + 16.0 (SD) including calves.
The population estimate should be interpreted cautiously as it
has a very large SE. The low densities and clumped distribution of
muskoxen in this area make it a difficult population to survey.
Future surveys should concentrate on smaller areas where hunting
or other management concerns are a priority.
Age and sex classification in the survey area would assist in the
interpretation of population estimates.
No changes are proposed to existing management zones.
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