Survival of woodland caribou in commercial forests of northern Ontario

Abstract

Telemetry, sightings, and tracks in snow from 1978–81, with subsequent observations until 1991, showed that woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) did not use cut portions of traditional wintering areas for 12 years after cutting. Two attempts by management personnel to modify commercial cutting patterns for caribou failed to prevent abandoning cut areas. In four instances where entire wintering areas were cut, caribou sightings and tracks decreased drastically or ceased entirely. Caribou in unlogged areas have shown no similar declines. Minimal efforts to ensure caribou survival in commercial forests should include deferral of cutting in caribou wintering areas, protection of calving areas, and accelerated research. Keywords: woodland caribou, forest management, threatened population, wildlife conservation