 |
McLean, B.
and P. Fraser. 1992. Abundance and distribution of Peary caribou and
muskoxen on Banks Island, NWT, June 1989. 28 pp.
ABSTRACT
A
stratified strip transect survey of Banks Island, NWT was conducted
between 22 and 28 June 1989.
The survey documented distribution and numbers of Peary caribou (Rangifer
tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus).
The total number of non-calf caribou observed on transect was 344
resulting in a population estimate of 2,600 + 340 (SE of
estimate).
Densities varied from 0.02 (caribou/km2 in the low
density stratum to 0.16 (caribou/ km2) in the high density
stratum on north-western Banks Island.
Mean group size, including calves was 3.6 + 2.17 (S.D.)
overall and was significantly greater in the high density area.
The proportion of calves to total classified was 25.5% (118
/462).
Caribou numbers have drastically declined from the 1970s.
A
total of 5791 non-calf muskoxen was observed on transect resulting in a
population estimate of 34,270 + 2360 (SE of the estimate) .
Densities varied from 0.26 (muskoxen/km2) in the low density areas to
1.84 (muskoxen/ km2) in the high density strata.
Mean group size, including calves was 6.15 + 4.82 (SD)
overall.
The proportion of calves to total number of animals classified
was 12.7% (871/6632).
Muskox numbers have increased since the 1970s.
|
