Early-winter diet of woodland caribou in relation to snow accumulation, Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia, Canada
Canadian Journal of Zoology
By: Eric M. Rominger and John L. Oldemeyer
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Abstract
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.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Early-winter diet of woodland caribou in relation to snow accumulation, Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia, Canada |
| Series title | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
| DOI | 10.1139/z90-372 |
| Volume | 68 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Year Published | 1990 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Research Council |
| Publisher location | Ottawa |
| Description | 4 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
| First page | 2691 |
| Last page | 2694 |
| Country | Canada |
| Other Geospatial | Selkirk Mountains |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |