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Journal Publications
Gates C.C. and N.C. Larter. Growth and
Dispersal of an Erupting Large Herbivore Population in Northern Canada: The
Mackenzie Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae). Arctic 43 (3):
231-238.
ABSTRACT
In 1963, 18 wood bison (Bison bison athabuscue)
were introduced to the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary. The population has
grown at a mean exponential rate of r = 0.215 ± 0.007,
reaching 1718 bison ≥ 10 months of age by April 1987. Analysis
of annual population growth revealed a maximum exponential rate of r
= 0.267 in 1975, followed by a declining rate, reaching a low value
of r = 0.103 in 1987. Selective predation on calves was
proposed as a mechanism to explain the declining rate of population growth.
The area occupied by the population increased at an exponential rate of 0.228
± 0.017 km2.year". The dispersal of mature males followed a
pattern described as an innate process, while dispersal of females and
juveniles exhibited characteristics of pressure-threshold dispersal. |
