1. Photo by Doug Heard Elena Jones Master of Science Candidate University of Northern British Columbia Michael Gillingham: Advisor Habitat Use and Population Status of Woodland Caribou in the Central Rocky Mountains Ecoregion

2. Presentation Outline 1.Population Distribution 2.Seasonal Habitat Use 3.Seasonal Forage Type 4.Demographics 5.Summary

17. Cratering in Alpine Habitat Alpine Crater Cratering Site on Hillside Behind Caribou ALPINE Feeding Type – Terrestrial Vegetation - Foraging site investigations indicate that all caribou using alpine habitat (Kennedy, Quintette, and Moberly) foraged on terrestrial lichens and sedges in early and late winter. Windswept Alpine

18. SUBALPINE FOREST Feeding Type – Arboreal Lichen Foraging site investigations indicate that all caribou using subalpine forest habitat (Kennedy, Quintette, Moberly and Parsnip) foraged only on arboreal lichens in early and late winter.

20. POPULATION ESTIMATE, CALF RECRUITMENT, ADULT MORTALITY

21. Summary Woodland caribou use of macro habitat and forest stand types is highly variable across the landscape. Northern caribou in the study area use a high proportion of subalpine forest habitat, particularly Kennedy Siding caribou. Northern caribou in the study area use a high proportion of spruce/fir stands in subalpine forest habitat. Northern caribou are foraging for arboreal lichens in early and late winter in subalpine forest habitat. Recruitment and adult mortality rates indicate that these populations are currently stable. Future data collection and analysis will focus on understanding the variables (e.g. snow depth, snow hardness, forage abundance, stand attributes) that influence habitat selection across the range of woodland caribou ecotypes.

22. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Committee Michael Gillingham (UNBC) Kathy Parker (UNBC) Dale Seip (BC Ministry of Forests) Doug Heard (Water, Land and Air Protection) Glen Watts (Water, Land and Air Protection) Field and Technical Assistance Tracy Hunter Mike Wolowitz Funding Forestry Innovation Investment Canadian Forest Products Ltd. McGregor Model Forest