we wish to thank the following for their contribution to this presentation ministry of...
TRANSCRIPT
ABC Snowmobile Clubs
In keeping with the ABC Snowmobile ClubsGuidelines for Stewardship and Backcountry
behaviour, we hope you will find this presentation to be of assistance
AcknowledgementsWe wish to thank the following for their contribution
to this presentationMinistry of Environment-Stewardship BranchMinistry of Agriculture & Lands-ILMB(Photographs)Leo DeGrootTrevor KinleyGary BeaudryCraig PettitMilo Burcham
Snowmobiling and Caribou in British Columbia
© G Beaudry © Craig Pettit
Background
Three “ecotypes” of Woodland Caribou are found in BC:Boreal (1,500)Northern (15,000)Mountain (1,900)Ecotypes are based on differences in behavior and habitat use; rather than genetic evidence
What are Caribou?
Caribou are hoofed mammals
Photo by G Beaudry
General CharacteristicsLarger than deer, smaller than elk/moose (♂~200kg; ♀~130kg)
Life span: ♂ 8-12 yrs; ♀ 10-15 yrs
Calves late May/early JuneCalf mortality as high as 50%; calves make up ~15% population by late Winter adult mortality ~15%, but can vary annually from 0->30%, most mortalities occur during summer
Dispersed habitat selection:
Found over large area in low numbers (30-50 caribou 1000km²)Home ranges (♂ ~200-600+km²; ♀~130-350+km²)generally small incohesive groups (single females; 2-5; up to 25 in LW)
Food habits: arboreal lichens (Alectoria sarmentosa and Bryoria spp) during winter Lichen, Falsebox and few other shrubs in early winter wide variety of grasses, sedges, forbs, flowering plants, leaves of numerous shrubs during remainder of year
What do they look like?
Their coloration can vary slightly but their bodies are usually medium to light brown with shades of gray and white on their rumps and necks
Both males and females grow antlers; the male’s antlers are usually larger and fall off earlier in the winter than those of the females
Woodland Caribou
Northern Caribou
Boreal Caribou
Mountain Caribou
About Caribou?
Caribou hooves are similar in size to moose, with a more rounded shape.
As a caribou generally weighs only half as much as a moose, it is often able to walk on top of the snow pack
About Caribou?
Caribou and other ungulates have two dew claws and two hooves on each foot. These provide a number of benefits in their harsh environment
They leave a very distinct footprint
About Caribou?
Their toes spread out wide to act like snowshoes – distributing the animal's weight so that it can "float" over snow, soft ice, and wet muskeg without sinking in as far as other ungulates
About Caribou?
The sharp-edged hooves easily break and clear the snow when caribou dig for food The name caribou comes from the Micmac Indian word "xalibu,“ meaning "the pawer"
Distinct characteristics
• Caribou make a characteristic clicking sound when they move, but this does not come from their hooves, but rather from the tendons slipping over the bones in their feet
• It's a good thing they aren't predators - how could they sneak up on anything when they "click" with every step?
Other characteristics?
Large feet make good paddles
Caribou are very strong swimmers and often have to cross wide rushing rivers that block their migration path
Photo by Leo DeGroot
Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal
They live in the low elevation, flatter area of muskeg and open forests in northeastern BC, north of Fort St. John
Caribou in British Columbia
Types of Caribou in BC- Boreal
Their range also extends across the northern boreal forests of much of Canada
Ground lichens are their main winter food
Types of Caribou in BC-Northern
They live in the west central and northern parts of BC and parts of Alberta
Caribou in British Columbia
Types of Caribou in BC- Northern
During winter they feed on lichens that grow on the ground; digging through the snow when necessary
They usually choose low elevation pine forests or windswept ridges where the snow is less deep
Types of Caribou in BC-Mountain
They live in the interior wet belt that stretches from northern Idaho and Washington to an area north of Prince George
Caribou in British Columbia
Types of Caribou in BC-Mountain
They are different from other caribou because in winter they survive by eating lichens that grow on trees
This trait allows them to live in this deep snow zone as they do not have to dig through snow for ground lichens as do other caribou
Mountain CaribouMale Mountain Caribou
Female Mountain Caribou
Cows in Spring atKootenay Pass
Seasonal use patterns
Early Winter (November to mid-January)Low elevation closed-canopied ICH/ESSF
Late Winter (mid Jan to mid April)Upper elevation open-canopied ICH/ESSF/AT/parkland
Spring (mid April to May)Fresh green emerging vegetation
Summer/Fall (June to October)Mid to upper elevation ESSF/ATp, alpine areas
What Mountain Caribou feed on in Winter?
Mountain Caribou’s main winter foods are tree lichens, which are generally slow growing.
Availability of winter food
As Mountain Caribou feed primarily on Lichen during the winter, it must be accessible to them.
Accessibility relies on a number of factors, including snow depth and lower branch height in the surrounding forest cover.
Status: Species-at-Risk
FederalCOSEWIC (threatened)Species at Risk Act
Provincial (endangered)Red-listed (BC Conservation Data
Centre)Species at Risk Coordination Office
USA (endangered)US Endangered Species Act
Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?
Mountain Caribou are the most threatened of all caribou in BC. They no longer live in almost half of their original range and populations have declined dramatically
• Habitat loss is a primary cause of decline in populationshydroelectric, rural/urbanexpansion, highways, linearcorridors Photo by G Beaudry
Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?
• Habitat change– Fragmentation, forestry, wildfire, insects & disease– Predator/prey systems– Habitat effectiveness
• Disturbance– Roads– Backcountry recreation (heli-ski, cat-ski, snowmobiles,
backcountry skiers, lodges)– Habitat effectiveness
• Climate Change– seasonal habitat use patterns
Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?
Large tracts of forest allow Mountain Caribou to disperse in small numbers to avoid predators and much of this has been lost.
Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?
• After forests are cut, young shrubs and trees grow.
Moose, deer and elk move in, attracted by the new growth. Their presence supports more predators and increases the risk that caribou will encounter predators.
Why are Mountain Caribou considered at risk?
• Road access for forest harvesting, back country lodges and other developments has also increased recreational access and associated disturbances.
Threats to Woodland CaribouThreats to Woodland Caribou include:
Habitat fragmentation
Increased human access;
and Disturbance as a result of industrial activities
Clear Cuts
RemoteBackcountryrecreation
TimberHarvesting
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?
Clumps of trees amongst large open areas in the high country of the Interior Wet Belt are ideally suited for Mountain Caribou, as well as for various types of backcountry recreation including Snowmobiling.
Photo by Craig Pettit
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?
Although loss of habitat and predation are considered the leading factors surrounding the decline of Caribou, Snowmobiling and other backcountry recreation may cause caribou to move into less suitable habitat where foraging is not as efficient, or where steeper terrain may cause avalanche and other hazards.
How Can Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?
Unnecessary dispersal from their feeding areas may also deplete their energy and cause additional stress during critical time periods.
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact?
Do not ride in areas that are closed to snowmobiling
If caribou are encountered in a play area, do not approach them and shut down your machines to give animals a chance to move away. Then, leave the area and refrain from riding within sight of the caribou
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact?
If caribou are encountered in your travels, turn off your engine, remain on the sled until the caribou have passed
Taking photographs is okay, but from a distance
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact?
Do not approach the caribou!
If caribou tracks are observed, do not follow!
Check for local informational brochures/maps, showing areas that caribou use and areas closed to snowmobiling
Information brochures are available in most areas
What Can Snowmobilers Do to Minimize Their Impact?
• Avoid damaging vegetation, ride only where the snow is greater than 30cm deep
• Pack out what you pack in
• Promote good stewardship practices, respect the areas, obey the signs and support your local snowmobile club. They work hard to protect your freedom to ride!
© Leo DeGroot
Summary
Hopefully this presentation will:
Give you a brief understanding of caribou in British Columbia
Provide you with enough knowledge of what a caribou looks like, and what to do if you encounter one
Shared StewardshipShared Stewardship means everyone doing their part
Please report sightings
When riding in areas where caribou are observed, please report these sightings as they will assist in overall management of the area.
A form is available from ABCSC to record any sightings
If you can provide photographs, it would be greatly appreciated.
THANKS FOR DOING YOUR PART!
Date Sex M F Location (Be as specific as possible/GPS/UTM)
Number of Animals
T=tracksS=Sightings
Comments Ex: Track age/Behaviour of animals when sighted
ABCSC CARIBOU SIGHTING REPORTING FORM
CARIBOU SIGHTINGS (___________________ Area)
** Try to submit form on a regular basis ** Provide photos if available
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL FORMS TO ABCSC FOR FURTHERANCE TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES
Thank YouThis presentation is part of the
Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs Outreach programs