Distribution and Movements of the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd 1990 - 2005: Prior to Oil and Gas Development

摘要: Four caribou ( Rangifer tarandus grantii ) herds calve on the North Slope of Alaska, three which have been exposed to little or no resource development. We present 15 years baseline data distribution and movements 72 satellite-collared 10 GPS-collared from Teshekpuk herd (TCH) that had exposure oil gas activities. Fixed-kernel home range analyses collared revealed calving grounds were concentrated (i.e., 50% kernel utilization distribution) along northeastern, eastern, southeastern shores Lake. During postcalving period, 51% 35% moved through two constricted zones east west Lake, respectively, accessed insect-relief habitat Beaufort Sea coast. late summer early fall, TCH southeast southwest Although 65% wintered in areas central coastal plain around village Atqasuk south other animals a great variety places, including Seward Peninsula, eastern southern Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. detected an apparent emigration rate 6.9%. One male five female joined breeding populations Western Central herds. traveled average distance 2348 ± 190 km annually. Movement rates at maximum midsummer, lowest winter, intermediate during spring fall migrations. Restrictions leasing surface occupancy place protect calving, migratory corridors, for TCH, but these protections are likely be removed. These will provide good can used compare predevelopment movement patterns after petroleum