##  [Linear Features, Forestry and Wolf Predation of Caribou and Other Prey in West Central Alberta](/resource/linear-features-forestry-and-wolf-predation-caribou-and-other-prey-west-central-alberta) 

Organization

[Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC)](/organization/petroleum-technology-alliance-canada-ptac)

[University of Calgary (UofC)](/organization/university-calgary-uofc)

[University of Montana](/organization/university-montana)

[Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)](/organization/canadian-association-petroleum-producers-capp)

 

 

Resource Type

[Report](/taxonomy/term/38)

 

 

Author(s)

Mark Hebblewhite

Marco Musiani

Nick DeCesare

Saakje Hazenberg

Wibke Peters

Hugh Robinson

Byron Weckworth

 

 

Original 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.