Early-winter diet of woodland caribou in relation to snow accumulation, Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia, Canada

Autor:	Eric M. Rominger, John L. Oldemeyer
Rok vydání:	1990
Předmět:	Arboreal locomotion Ecology fungi Rangifer tarandus caribou Biology Snow Early winter Taxon biology.animal Animal Science and Zoology Woodland caribou Lichen human activities Ecology Evolution Behavior and Systematics
Zdroj:	Canadian Journal of Zoology. 68:2691-2694
ISSN:	1480-3283 0008-4301
DOI:	10.1139/z90-372
Popis:	Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the southern Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia shift from a diet of primarily vascular taxa during snow-free months to an arboreal lichen – conifer diet during late winter. We present evidence that caribou diets, during the early-winter transition period, are influenced by snow accumulation rates. Caribou shift to an arboreal lichen – conifer diet earlier during winters of rapid snow accumulation and forage extensively on myrtle boxwood (Pachistima myrsinites), an evergreen shrub, and other vascular plants during years of slower snow accumulation. The role of coniferous forage in early-winter food habits is examined. Forest management strategies can be developed to provide habitat that will enable caribou to forage in response to varying snow accumulation rates.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
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