Spatial dynamics of the rise and fall of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Newfoundland

摘要: Understanding the relationship between abundance and distribution is central to ecology but may require broad-scale observations, especially for long-lived, mobile animals like caribou (Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758)). We tested link demography spatial of Newfoundland caribou, coincident with their numerical growth (1980s, 1990s) decline (2000s). analysed site fidelity, rate movements, timing migration, population organization from telemetry obser- vations more than 600 adult females. Site fidelity was consistent across herds, intensifying near onset calving peaking in late summer, a cycle that reflect selection postpartum security. Late-summer stronger 1980s 1990s, trend reversed itself during 2000s. Weekly movements were lower 2000s, no clear differences 1990s. Timing migration changed: spring Buchans herd occurred 3 weeks earlier autumn later compared previous decade, reversal 40-year trend. Herd affinities, revealed by fuzzy membership coefficients, diminished These changes are hypothesis limitation summer forage competition. Space use represents useful gauge caribou.