The reintroduction of boreal caribou as a conservation strategy: A long-term assessment at the southern range limit

摘要: Boreal caribou were extirpated from the Charlevoix region (Quebec) in 1920s because of hunting and poaching. In 1965, Quebec government initiated a reintroduction program Charlevoix. During winters 1966 1967, total 48 boreal captured, translocated by plane, released within enclosures; only their offspring (82 individuals) wild. Between 1967 1980, wolf control was applied to support population growth. The population, however, remained relatively stable at 45–55 individuals during this period. 1980s, grew slowly rate approximately 5% each year reach peak 126 1992. At that time, Bergerud & Mercer (1989) reported experiment successful attempt presence predators (in North America). Afterwards, declined since then it has been about 80 individuals. Here we reviewed literature regarding ecology dynamics herd its reintroduction, an critically assess value as conservation tool for species. Indeed, is now considered very high risk extinction mostly small size, isolation other populations, low recruitment. heavily impacted forestry activities early 1980s. Recent studies have indicated these habitat modifications may benefited populations wolves black bears—two caribou—and range fidelity exposed higher predation via maladaptive selection. As females are ageing, calves suffer pressure bears respectively, suggest future reintroduced question they facing probability near if further action not taken.