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Graf, R.,
R. Case and R. Mulders. 1990. Abundance and distribution of muskoxen
in central Keewatin, NWT, July 1986. 17 pp.
ABSTRACT
In
July 1986 we conducted a stratified, random transect survey of the area
southwest of Baker Lake which included almost all of Muskox Management
Area J/1-1. This survey was
to verify and expand upon the unstratified survey carried out in a
portion of the same area in November 1985.
After a reconnaissance flight along transacts which covered 16%
of the area, we established high, low and zero density strata.
The zero density area was removed from further consideration,
while the high density area was surveyed with transacts 4 km apart (50%
coverage) and the low density area was surveyed with transacts just over
6 km apart (30% coverage).
We
actually counted 362 adult muskoxen on transect, resulting in an
estimate of 838 + 176 (S.E.), with a Coefficient of Variation
equal to 0.21. Calves represented 11.5% of the animals observed which is
similar to results from other summer surveys in the NWT.
Group size was considerably higher, however, than other summer
surveys. Although the
population estimate was 30% less than the November 1985 survey, we
recommend no further management changes because the quota which was
established in early 1986 was conservative, and because the estimate
from this stratified survey is likely closer to the true muskox
population than that provided by the previous unstratified effort.
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