Observations of muskoxen and caribou in the high Arctic

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Hauptverfasser: Parker, G R, Ross, R K
Format: Dataset Open Access
Sprache:en
Veröffentlicht: PANGAEA 1976
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author Parker, G R
Ross, R K
author_facet Parker, G R
Ross, R K
collection Datos científicos de ciencias marinas y ambientales
contents 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.
format Dataset Open Access
id pangaea_https___doi_org_10_1594_PANGAEA_761275
institution PANGAEA
language en
publishDate 1976
publisher PANGAEA
record_format pangaea
spellingShingle Observations of muskoxen and caribou in the high Arctic
Parker, G R
Ross, R K
Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian Arctic; Bailey_Point; Melville Island; Mokka_Fjord; OBSE; Observation
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.
title Observations of muskoxen and caribou in the high Arctic
topic Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian Arctic; Bailey_Point; Melville Island; Mokka_Fjord; OBSE; Observation
url https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761275