Linear Features, Forestry and Wolf Predation of Caribou and Other Prey in West Central Alberta

Authors
Mark Hebbelwhite
Marco Musiani
Nick DeCesare
Saakje Hazenberg
Wibke Peters
Hugh Robinson
Byron Weckworth
Resource Date:
2010
Page Length
84

The primary goal of this research was to determine how human activities affect caribou population dynamics through modification of predator‐prey relationships. This knowledge can then be used to develop appropriate conservation strategies across the range of caribou in west‐central Alberta and east‐central British Columbia.  We investigated the genetic, demographic, and ecological (e.g. predator‐prey) dynamics of woodland caribou hypothesizing two primary mechanisms for caribou  declines:

  1. Conversion by logging of old forests to early seral habitats results in high primary prey densities.   Because of the strong numeric response of wolves (Canis lupus) to ungulate prey, logging increases wolf density and thus predation rates on caribou .
  2. Seismic exploration lines and access roads increase predator efficiency by increasing the rate at which wolves kill prey because wolves select for, and move faster on, such linear features.