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Gunn, A., K. Lambert and R. Morrison. 1996. Distribution
and abundance of muskoxen on Adelaide Peninsula, NWT, 1986 and 1992. 20 pp.
ABSTRACT
We
conducted a systematic strip transect survey in June 1986 to determine
the extent
to which muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) had spread east and north on
Adelaide Peninsula.
The estimate in June 1986 was 213 + 146 (S.E.) based on 44
muskoxen excluding
calves) counted on transect. The survey was repeated in June 1992 and
the estimated population was 1165 + 380 (S.
E.) based on 233 muskoxen (excluding calves)
counted on transect.
Both surveys were imprecise with Coefficients of Variation of 59%
and 33% in 1986 and 1992, respectively.
The significant increase documents the
continued return of muskoxen to their historic ranges.
This "colonizing edge" should
continue to be lightly harvested to encourage expansion of the
muskoxen east of Chantrey
Inlet. |
