Den site selection of wolves ( Canis lupus ) in response to declining caribou ( Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) density in the central Canadian Arctic

摘要: Wolves (Canis lupus) that den on the tundra of central Arctic prey primarily migratory barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus). Prey densities in vicinity sites are low, however, for a period each summer when migrate to their calving and post-calving ranges. Eskers provide substrate where wolves can excavate sites, but these landforms make up only small proportion landscape. We investigated factors influenced site selection range Bathurst herd, Northwest Territories, Canada. used long-term data set (1996–2012) wolf locations develop series resource function (RSF) models representative broad land-cover types, esker density, annual variation seasonal availability. compared temporal sequence RSF investigate whether altered patterns response 90 % decline abundance (1996–2012). were selected denning habitat; distribution eskers may be limiting density is high. Covariates representing from early (5–18 July) late (19 July–22 August) best predictors occurrence; areas represented reliable availability over greatest portion period. As herd declined, ranges contracted northward towards ground. did not exhibit similar response. such, spatial separation between breeding at main increased was low. The lack behavioural consistent with wolf–prey dynamics observed other studies suggest strive maintain territories even following large decreases Such behaviours reduce fitness have implications pup survival population growth.