Caribou observations on Queen Elizabeth Islands (Tab. 1 + 2)

The numbers and distributions of Peary caribou (Rangiier tarandus pearyi) on western Queen Elizabeth Islands, Northwest Territories were determined by aerial surveys based on a standard census strip method. Surveys were flown in March-April and July-August periods in 1972, 1973, and 1974. Comparison of the 1973 and 1974 survevs with those results of a comparable survey in 1961 showed an overall decline of 89% in numbers of caribou between 1961 and 1974. Percentage reduction of caribou numbers from 1961 to 1874 followed a west-cast gradient on the three major islands: Prince Patrick 72%, Melville 87% , and Bathurst 92%. The marked decrease in numbers of caribou is attributed to a combination of high winter mortality in some years and an overall low rate of births and recruitment from 1961 to 1974.

Observations of muskoxen and caribou in the high Arctic

Summary: Summer daily activity and movement patterns and habitat selectivity by Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) were studied at two sites in Canada's High Arctic. Caribou showed a greater mobility and broader selection of habitat than muskoxen. Muskoxen fed more than they rested in contrast to the greater amount of time spent resting than feeding by caribou. The sedge-producing hydric-meadow vegetalion type was highly selected for by muskoxen at both study areas; caribou selected against the hydric-meadow type and preferred the polar desert and mesic-meadow types. Caribou displayed a greater variety in plant species selection than muskoxen, favouring willow (Salix arctica), grasses, forbs, and the flowers of vascular plants- Muskoxen feci extensively on sedges in the hydric-meadow. It is suggested the abundance and distribution of sedge-producing meadows may control the regional abundance and distribution of muskoxen. Winter climate is probably the ultimate factor controlling densities of muskoxen and caribou in the High Arctic.

Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) sightings and population estimates for the Canadian High Arctic 2002-2004

Aerial surveys of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) were conducted in the Canadian High Arctic during the month of August from 2002 to 2004. The surveys covered the waters of Barrow Strait, Prince Regent Inlet, the Gulf of Boothia, Admiralty Inlet, Eclipse Sound, and the eastern coast of Baffin Island, using systematic sampling methods. Fiords were flown along a single transect down the middle. Near-surface population estimates increased by 1.9%-8.7% when corrected for perception bias. The estimates were further increased by a factor of approximately 3, to account for individuals not seen because they were diving when the survey plane flew over (availability bias). These corrections resulted in estimates of 27 656 (SE = 14 939) for the Prince Regent and Gulf of Boothia area, 20 225 (SE = 7285) for the Eclipse Sound area, and 10 073 (SE = 3123) for the East Baffin Island fiord area. The estimate for the Admiralty Inlet area was 5362 (SE = 2681) but is thought to be biased. Surveys could not be done in other known areas of occupation, such as the waters of the Cumberland Peninsula of East Baffin, and channels farther west of the areas surveyed (Peel Sound, Viscount Melville Sound, Smith Sound and Jones Sound, and other channels of the Canadian Arctic archipelago). Despite these probable biases and the incomplete coverage, results of these surveys show that the summering range of narwhals in the Canadian High Arctic is vast. If narwhals are philopatric to their summering areas, as they appear to be, the total population of that range could number more than 60 000 animals. The largest numbers are in the western portion of their summer range, around Somerset Island, and also in the Eclipse Sound area. However, these survey estimates have large variances due to narwhal aggregation in some parts of the surveyed areas.