Wolf predation on the Nelchina caribou herd: a reply

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1989
Authors:Bergerud, AT, Ballard, WB
Journal:Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:53
Date Published:1989
Keywords:Canis lupus
Abstract:

Reviews arguments on the roles of Canis lupus predation and winter starvation in recruitment of the Nelchina Rangifer tarandus herd, Alaska. Van Ballenberghe (1989) (see 89L/08758) now argues that data are not adequate to decide between hypotheses, and winter starvation is no longer stressed as the valid explanation for low calf survival. The wolf population increased at a finite rate of 1.30 from 1953-1965, and wolf population estimates based on original census data were negatively correlated with recruitment. Additionally, recruitment improved 3 times when wolf populations were reduced through hunting and removal programs. The decline of the Nelchina herd from 1962-1972 can be explained by excessive human harvests in the absence of adequate recruitment.

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