| Popis: |
A herd of 31 muskox (Ovibos moschatus), established on Nunivak Island during 1935 and 1936, fluetuated in size until 1947 when it numbered 49 animals. Since 1947, the herd has inereased at a nearly constant annual rate of 16 percent. The number of ealves averaged 19 pereent of the total population sinee 1947. Mortality averaged about 7 pereent of the total herd, but has been more vari- able than productivity. The consistent calf crops indicate that many cows are mature and are bred when 2 years old and subsequently may produee calves eaeh year. Winter range is sharply limited by elimatic conditions and is fully utilized by the present herd. The continuation of this population as a productive nueleus for restocking former range in Alaska or for other purposes is dependent on maintaining the basie herd at numbers which winter range can support. |
