On the Status of Some Arctic Mammals

Abstract

Contains a study of mammals of arctic Alaska, mainly from the Brooks Range, each species discussed in terms of holarctic distribution. The information was obtained during investigations by the Animal-borne Disease Branch of the Arctic Health Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska, during which 4,500 mammals were collected. Alaska has about 30 widely distributed species, many circumboreal. These and their varieties are described in systematic order. The grizzly or brown bear wolf, arctic hoary marmot, ground squirrel, tundra vole, narrow-skulled or gregarious vole and caribou are treated in some detail, and the relationship of the caribou to Alaskan Eskimo economy is described. The Romanzof Mts. of the Brooks Range and Arctic Village near the southern limits of the Brooks Range on the East Chandalar River are briefly described. Photographs show skulls, tables give cranial measurements, and maps show Alaskan distribution of various species.