|
|
Journal Publications
McLoughlin, P.D., M.K. Taylor, H.D.
Cluff, R.J. Gau, R. Mulders, R.L. Case, and F. Messier. 2003.
Population viability for barren-ground grizzly bears in Nunavut and the
Northwest Territories, Canada. Arctic 56:185-190.
Abstract
We modelled probabilities of population
decline as a function of annual kill for a population of barren-ground
grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) inhabiting Nunavut and the Northwest
Territories, Canada. Our results suggest the population is at risk of
decline, especially if annual removal rates increase from the 42-year mean
of 13.4 bears/year. Adding six bears to the mean annual kill results in
>40% chance of a decrease in population size by one-quarter over the next 50
years, compared to a 10% chance with the current level of human-caused
mortality. Additional mortalities may result from increased problem
activity at mine sites or hunt and exploration camps, given recent increases
in human activity in the region, and may already be present as unreported
mortality. We believe any increase in current harvest quotas would
considerably impact conservation prospects for the population. |
