Summer range fidelity of radio-collared caribou in Alaska's Central Arctic Herd

摘要: Sixty-four adult (2 + years) female caribou (Rangifer tarandus grand), radio-collared in April or May 1975 - 82, were relocated during the following June and/or July within summer range of Central Arctic Herd (CAH). Relocations made three summers used to assess fidelity. Cumulative relocations females region equivalent 91% projected availability based on transmitter life. A chronological analysis indicates that 98%, 91%, and 82% found there one, two, years later; most progressively lower relocation success is probably attributable transitter malfunctions rather than emigration. These observations suggest fidelity CAH at least 90%, may approach 100%.