Seip et al. 2007
Abstract
Mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are a threatened ecotype in British Columbia, Canada, and are endangered in the U.S.
Investigated the impact of recreational snowmobiling on winter habitat use of mountain caribou.
Conducted surveys showed caribou density in low snowmobile activity areas (0.41 caribou/km²) vs. absence in high activity regions.
RSF analysis indicated suitable habitat could support 53–96 caribou.
Recommended restrictions on snowmobiling in caribou habitats for recovery efforts.
Introduction
Mountain caribou inhabit subalpine forests in southeastern British Columbia and parts of the U.S.
Increasing snowmobile use poses a significant threat to winter ranges.
Studies document caribou's avoidance of areas disturbed by snowmobiles, suggesting displacement.
Study Area
Focused on Hart Ranges caribou herd in central British Columbia.
Surveyed 5 discrete mountain blocks, identifying winter habitat composition and elevation.
Highlighted Sande block as a recognized snowmobiling area versus lower use in other blocks.
Methods
Caribou Census
Surveys conducted in March of 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2006 using helicopters.
GPS used for tracking groups and assessing population density.
Habitat Modeling
Developed RSF models using telemetry data collected from female caribou.
Used logistic regression to determine habitat preferences based on various factors.
Snowmobile Use
Recorded sightings and tracks of snowmobiles during each census.
Mapped snowmobile activities' extent in relation to caribou locations in 2006.
Results
Caribou consistently found in low snowmobile activity blocks.
Only 22 caribou recorded in the Sande block in 2006, primarily in inaccessible areas.
Descriptive statistics showed significant differences in caribou density across blocks.
RSF model confirmed quality habitat on Sande block, yet caribou absence persists.
Discussion
Findings indicate that intensive snowmobile use displaces caribou from high-quality habitats.
Risks to caribou include increased predation, nutritional stress, and mortality from unsuited habitats.
Recommendations for limiting snowmobile access to safeguard critical habitats are underscored.
Management Implications
Continued snowmobile encroachment threatens caribou recovery.
Urgent need for habitat protections to prevent additional negative impacts on dwindling populations.
Acknowledgments
Research funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Literature Cited
A selection of relevant studies that inform the research and findings, including works on wildlife management, caribou population dynamics, and snowmobile impacts.
Seip et al. 2007
Abstract
Mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are a threatened ecotype in British Columbia, Canada, and are endangered in the U.S.
Investigated the impact of recreational snowmobiling on winter habitat use of mountain caribou.
Conducted surveys showed caribou density in low snowmobile activity areas (0.41 caribou/km²) vs. absence in high activity regions.
RSF analysis indicated suitable habitat could support 53–96 caribou.
Recommended restrictions on snowmobiling in caribou habitats for recovery efforts.
Introduction
Mountain caribou inhabit subalpine forests in southeastern British Columbia and parts of the U.S.
Increasing snowmobile use poses a significant threat to winter ranges.
Studies document caribou's avoidance of areas disturbed by snowmobiles, suggesting displacement.
Study Area
Focused on Hart Ranges caribou herd in central British Columbia.
Surveyed 5 discrete mountain blocks, identifying winter habitat composition and elevation.
Highlighted Sande block as a recognized snowmobiling area versus lower use in other blocks.
Methods
Caribou Census
Surveys conducted in March of 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2006 using helicopters.
GPS used for tracking groups and assessing population density.
Habitat Modeling
Developed RSF models using telemetry data collected from female caribou.
Used logistic regression to determine habitat preferences based on various factors.
Snowmobile Use
Recorded sightings and tracks of snowmobiles during each census.
Mapped snowmobile activities' extent in relation to caribou locations in 2006.
Results
Caribou consistently found in low snowmobile activity blocks.
Only 22 caribou recorded in the Sande block in 2006, primarily in inaccessible areas.
Descriptive statistics showed significant differences in caribou density across blocks.
RSF model confirmed quality habitat on Sande block, yet caribou absence persists.
Discussion
Findings indicate that intensive snowmobile use displaces caribou from high-quality habitats.
Risks to caribou include increased predation, nutritional stress, and mortality from unsuited habitats.
Recommendations for limiting snowmobile access to safeguard critical habitats are underscored.
Management Implications
Continued snowmobile encroachment threatens caribou recovery.
Urgent need for habitat protections to prevent additional negative impacts on dwindling populations.
Acknowledgments
Research funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Literature Cited
A selection of relevant studies that inform the research and findings, including works on wildlife management, caribou population dynamics, and snowmobile impacts.
