Woodland caribou population decline in Alberta: fact or fiction?

摘要: We re-assessed the view of a major woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population decline in Alberta. Several historical publications and provincial documents refer to this drastic as premise for designation Alberta's an endangered species. In past, wildlife management inventory techniques were speculative limited by lack technology, access funding. The accepted trend is based on many speculations, opinions misinterpretation data unsubstantiated. Many aerial surveys failed reduce variance did not estimate sightability. Most have underestimated numbers contributed unreliable support decline. Through forest fire protection presence extensive wetlands, majority potential habitat still exists. Recreational aboriginal subsistence hunting does appear greatly mortality, although are insufficient reliable conclusions. Wolf (Canis lupus), fluctuations inconclusive do provide adequate information which base prey trends. incidence documented infection parasites Alberta low likely unimportant cause proposed