Estimating Bathurst Island Peary Caribou and Muskox Populations

Home , Little Cornwallis Island, Prince Patrick Island

ARCTIC VOL. 44, NO. 1 (MARCH 1991) P. 5782

Estimating Bathurst Island Peary Caribou and Musk :ox PopulationIS FRANK L. MILLER’

(Received 24 May 1989; accepted in revised form 17 August 1990)

ABSTRACT. Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyQand muskox (Ovibos moschatus) numbers were estimated by systematic aerial survey on Bathurst Island and Bathurst’s five westernmajor satellite islands ofVanier, Cameron, Alexander, Massey and Marc, Northwest%rritories, in 1985 and 1988. The surveys werecarried out as part of the Canadian Wildlife Service’smost recent evaluation ofthe status of Peary caribou (1984-88). In July1985,727 Peary caribou and 547 muskoxen were estimated on the six-island survey area and in July 1988,1034Peary caribou and 522 muskoxen. Post-parturient caribou cows and their newborn calves occurredat significantly greater rateson Massey Island than on the remainder of the survey area in both years. The 1985 and 1988 survey results, plus results from earliersurveys within the area, are used to illustrate how annual inter-island variation in range use withinthe survey area by varying numbers of caribou couldconfound population estimates based on aerial surveys of only Bathurst Island that do not also include, at least, the five western major satellite islands. Key words: Peary caribou, Rangifer taranduspearyi, muskoxen, Ovibos moschatus, population estimates, inter-island movements,Canadian High Arctic, south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands

RÉSUMÉ. En 1985 et 1988, on a dhermink, par relevts akriens systkmatiques, le nombre de caribous de Peary (Rangifer tarandus pearyQ et de boeufs musquks (Ovibos moschatus) sur l’île de Bathurst et ses cinq grandes îles satellites occidentales (Vanier, Cameron, Alexander, Massey et Marc), dans les Timitoires du Nord-Ouest. Cesrelevks ont hk effectuts dans le cadrede laderniere tvaluation du Service canadien de la faune sur le statut du caribou de Peary (1984-88). En juillet 1985, le nombre descaribous de Peary a hk Cvalu6 il 727 et celui desboeufs musquks il 547, dans les six îles formant la zone d’ttude et, en juillet 1988, ce nombre a ht kvalut il 1 034 pour le caribou de Peary et A

I 522 pour le boeuf musquk. Durant les deux annbs en question, le taux d’occurrence des femelles caribous venant de mettre bas et de leurs petits ktait beaucoup plus tlevkdans l’île Massey que dans le reste de la zone d’ktude. Les rtsultats des relevks de 1985 et de 1988, ainsi que les rtsultats de relevks effectuks prkc6demmentdans la region, serventA illustrer commentla variation annuelle entreles îles,dans l’utilisation du territoirepar des nombres diffkrents de caribous,pourrait fausser les estimationsde population qui s’appuient uniquementsur l’île Bathurst, sans tenir compte au moins de ses cinq grandes îles satellites occidentales. Mots clks: caribou dePeary, Rangifer tamnduspearyi, boeuf musquk, Ovibos moschatus, estimations depopulation, mouvements depopulation entre les îles, Extreme-Arctique canadien, îles centre-sud de la Reine-filisabeth naduit pour le journal par Nksida Loyer.

INTRODUCTION since 1975. The hunting of muskoxen on Bathurst Island is prohibited by regulations underthe Government of the NWT Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen Wildlife Act. (Ovibosrnoschatus) were well represented inthe early 1960s The Canadian Wildlife Service aerially surveyed Peary on south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands(QEI), Northwest caribou and muskoxen on western and central QEI during Territories(NWT), and Bathurst Island was a principal July 1985 (Miller, 1987a),July 1986 (Miller, 1987b)and July caribou hunting area. In summer 1961, 3565 Peary caribou 1987 (Miller, 1988), aspart of a program to evaluate the status and 1161 muskoxenwere estimated by aerial survey on of Peary caribou on the CanadianArctic Archipelago (Miller, Bathurst Islandand four of its western major satellite islands,1990b). The overall trend for all Peary caribou was one of Vanier, Cameron, Alexanderand Massey (Tener, 1963).melve apparently continual decline from at least 1961 to 1987. years then passed before numbers of Peary caribou and Muskoxen exhibited various rates of recovery in all areas from muskoxen on those islands (includingthe fifth western major 1974 to 1985-87. The only inconsistency in these regional satellite island of Ile Marc) were again estimated by aerial findings was an apparent increase in the number of Peary survey. By 1973, Peary caribou on those six south-central caribou on south-centralQEI, which includesBathurst Island QEI had already declined Ca. 75% and muskoxen Ca. 40% and several of its satellite islands. Therefore the Canadian from their 1961 estimated numbers (Tener, 1963; Miller et WildlifeService resurveyed Bathurst and its five major al., 1977a). Then, the winter of 1973-74 was disastrous and western satellite islandsby air in July1988 to further evaluate both Peary caribou and muskoxen apparently experienced the current status of Peary caribou and muskox populations calamitous population reductions due to range-wide major within that south-central QEI complex. die-offs (Parkeret al., 1975; Milleret al., 1977a). The popu- If all caribou and reindeer hadto be characterizedby one lation estimates for thesix south-central QEI 1974in for Peary common trait, it would betheir seemingly almost continual caribou crashed to only Ca. 10% and for muskoxen to Ca. movement while engaged in daily foraging activities and 20% of their respective 1961estimates (Fischerand Duncan, seasonal movements (e.g., Heape, 1931; Bergerud, 1974). Yet, 1976; Miller et al., 1977a). this well-known trait of Rangifer is not always adequately In August 1981, Ferguson (1987) determinedthe status of addressedwhen estimating population sizesby surveys, Peary caribou and muskox populations on only Bathurst usually because of limited funds. This condition has been Island by aerial survey. He concluded that neither species especially true for aerial surveys on the Canadian Arctic had shown any marked overall recovery since 1974 and, Archipelago. Caribou on the Arctic Archipelago have the therefore, the prohibition of harvesting of Peary caribou and unique tradition of often involving two or more different muskoxen on Bathurst Island should continue. The Inuit islands in their seasonal migrations and also when making hunters of Resolute Bay, Cornwallis Island, have maintained sporadic environmentally forced movements in responseto a voluntary ban on hunting of caribou on Bathurst Island widespread forage unavailability (e.g., Miller et al., 1977b,

‘Canadian Wildlife Service, Western and Northern Region, Room 210, 4999- 98 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6B 2x3 @The Arctic Institute of North America 58 / EL. MILLER

1982; Miller, 1990a). The most accurate estimation of the size ofa population of such caribou should be obtained when the entire probable inter-island area occupiedby the population is included in the survey.This ecologically sound survey approach has, unfortunately, not prevailed among studies because of limited fiscal resources.The data from the 1985 and 1988 surveys of Bathurst Island and some of the sur- rounding satellite islands are usedto illustrate this problem.

STUDY AREA The islands within the study area lie between74 and 77ON latitude and96 and 105OW longitude (Fig.1). Bathurst Island is both the largest and the principal ‘‘game” island within the survey area. All of the islands are lowand lying are mainly below 150 m above mean sea level in elevation. Geology, topography and vegetation within the study areahave been described in some detail (e.g., Dunbarand Greenaway, 1956; Thorsteinsson, 1958; Savile, 1961; Fortier et al., 1963; Qner, FIG.I. Locations of eight survey strata used in July 1985 and July 1988 aerial 1963; Edlund, 1983). surveys of six south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands, Canadian High Arctic. In 1985 the survey area includedsix islands of the south- central QEI, with a collective landmass of ca. 19 266 km2 (Miller, 1987a): Bathurst (16 090 km2), Vanier (1130 km2 , C= Cameron (loa0 km2), Alexander (490 km2), Massey(440 km 2 ) and Marc (56 km2).In 1988, all sixwere again systematically surveyed along the same line transects as in 1985.

METHODS Methodology for carryingout the aerial surveys and cal- culating the population estimatesis detailed in Miller (1987a,b, 1988). The surveys were flownin a Bell-206B turbo- helicopter at anairspeed of about 160 km-h” and analtitude of about 90 m above ground level.A four-person survey crew was used: pilot-spotter, right front seat; navigator-spotter, - 1- Horizontaldistance between left front seat; and two rear-seat observers. The observers helicopter andanimal (s) ”I measured the angle of depression with hand-held clinometers when the helicopterwas abeamof the animals for calculation FIG.2. Schema of angle of depression measured with hand-held clinometer of horizontal right-angle distanceto animal(s) sighted along when helicopter was abeamof animals for calculation of horizontal right- line transects and recorded datathe for the sightings on their angle distance to animal(s) sighted along line transects. respective sides ofthe aircraft (Fig. 2). Then, all caribouwere km intervals were equivalentto 27% coverageand those flown classified by designated sexlage classes: bulls, cows, calves, at 3.2 km intervals equalled 54% coverage. juveniles and yearlings. Muskoxen were segregated as bulls or calves and others as cows, juveniles or yearlings (Miller RESULTS 1987a,b, 1988). When necessarythe animalswere circled and all four crew members participated in the segregation by The six-island complex was surveyed between 10 and 25 sex/age classes of all individuals in each group. July 1985 and 11 and 21 July 1988 (Tables 1-4). Weather con- The surveys were carried out along systematically spaced ditions were generally favourable during both yearsand the transect lines. The mean density and population estimates range was essentially snow free. were calculated using standard procedures for systematic In 1985,352 Peary caribou were counted on and off transect surveys (Cochran, 1963; Kingsley and Smith, 1981). transect(Table 1). The overall mean density estimate of The estimates and their associated variances were obtained caribou onthe six islands was 3.8 ( f 0.72 S.E.) caribou.100 by using only those sightings of animals for which the km-2. Nearly one-thirdof those estimated caribou occurred measured angle of depression from the helicopter to the collectively on the five western satellite islands, at a mean animals was greater than 5O (6O or greater). This practice density of 7.3 ( f 1.76 S.E.) caribou.100 km-2. Mean density meant that all “on-transect” animalswere within about 850 of caribou for the five western satellite islands was 2.4 times m of either side of the aircraftor within astrip transect width greater than themean density of 3.1( f 0.75 S.E.) caribou.100 of 1700 m (“maximum feasible strip width” - based on km-2 on Bathurst Island. The overall proportion of calves field testing and evaluation of results, using strip transects among observed caribouon all six islands was 26.1%: 26.3% of 15 different widths flown at three different altitudes [N on Bathurst Island and 25.9% collectively on the five western = 45 combinations of analyses], Prince of Walesand Melville satellite islands. islands, NWT, spring and summer 1984[EL. Miller, unpubl. In 1988,602 Peary caribouwere counted duringthe aerial data]). In thisway, surveys flown along linetransects at 6.4 survey (Bble 1). The overall mean density estimate of caribou BATHURST ISLAND PEARY CARIBOU AND MUSKOXEN / 59

TABLE 1. Numbers counted and population sizes estimated for Peary caribou on six south-central Queen Elizabeth Islands, NWT, 10-25 July 1985 and 11-21 July 1988

NumbernumberEstimated ofcounted’ caribou of cariboub Off transect Off Tot. On transect f S.E. Tot. fS.E. 1985 1988 1985 1988 1985 1988 1985 1988Island 1985 1988 Bathurst 55 (15) (52) 121 96 (39) (57) 166 495 f 121.0 821 f 138.0 Vanier 23 (11) 24 (7) (2) 16 (12) 34 61 f 37.0 85 f 26.2 Cameron 1 3 13 (1) 5 51 f 32.9 9 f 4.4 Alexander 12 (2) 11 7 (3)(3) 14 38 f 38.0 31 f 13.2 Massey (9) 22 24 (14) (9) 12 (16) 30 76 f 20.5 84 f 21.5 MWC 3 (1) 7 0 2 0 4 f 2.1 Totals (38) 116 190 (73) (54) 144 (88) 251 727 f 137.7 1034 f 142.8 ‘Number of calves in parentheses. b1985 and 1988 population estimates are not significantly different (t-test, P>0.05) for all islands or combination of islands.

on the six islands was 5.4 ( f 0.74 S.E.) caribou.100 km-’. Alexander, and none was seen on Masseyor Marc islands. More than one-fifth of the estimated caribou occurred col- The mean density of muskoxenfor all satellite islandswas lectively on the five western satellite islands,at a mean density 5.2 times lessthan themean density of muskoxenon Bathurst of 6.7 (f 1.2 S.E.) caribou-100 km-’. The collective mean Island. The overall proportion of calves among observed density of caribou on the five satellite islands was still 1.3 muskoxen on all islands was 11.8%: 12.2% on Bathurst times greater than the mean density of 5.1 ( f 0.74 S.E.) Island and none on any of the satellite islands. caribou-100 km-’ on Bathurst Island. The overall propor- Muskoxen were seen more frequently than expected by tional representationof calves among caribouon all islands chance aloneon a relative landmass basison Bathurst Island was 26.7%: 27.5% on Bathurst Island and 25.2% collec- vs. the five satellite islands collectively in both years (Table tively on the five satellite islands. 3:1985, X’ = 25.98,df = 1; P <0.005 VS. 1988, X’ = ,There were 83caribou calves seenat heel per 100 breeding 42.04, df = 1; P <0.005). Muskox bulls represented about Lows in both years (Table 2). Caribou bulls ranged from60 one-fifth and two-fifths of all the 1 + year-old muskoxen /to 37 and juvenile/yearlings from 74to 91 per 100 breeding seen in 1985 and 1988 respectively (Table 4). No attempt cows in 1985and 1988 respectively. Caribou were observed wasmade to segregatemuskox cows from juveniles or more frequentlythan expected by chance aloneon a relative yearlings (Table 4). Muskox bulls were underrepresented and landmass basis on the five western satellite islands collec- all other sedage classes overrepresented amongall muskoxen tively (1 6.59’0 of the 19 266 km’) vs. Bathurst Island (83.5070 seen in 1985 and vice versa in 1988 (Table 4: X’ = 33.10, of 19 266 km’) in both years (Table 1: 1985, X’ = 162.41, df = 2; P <0.005). df = 1; P <0.005 VS. 1988, X’ = 135.89, df = 1; P <0.005). In both1985 and 1988 post-parturient caribou cowsand their DISCUSSION newborn calves occurred in samplesof observed caribou at rates about as expected by chance alone (Table 2). Caribou Peary caribou recolonized or colonized essentially the bulls were, however, overrepresentedand juvenile/yearlings entire Canadian Arctic Archipelago (except, apparently, underrepresented in 1985 and vice versa in 1988 (Table 2: Baffin, Bylotand other immediately adjacent smaller islands) X’ = 10.75, df = 3; P <0.025). There was no significant by free movement over the sea ice after the Wisconsin- difference in the observed frequency of caribou by designatedWeichelian period of glaciation. Homogeneous charac- sex/age classeson Bathurst Islandvs. the five satellite islands teristics of specimens of Peary cariboufrom the QEI indicate collectively in either year (Table 2: 1985, X’ = 1.32, df = 2; P >0.5 VS. 1988, X’ = 2.17, df = 2; P >0.1). Both post- TABLE 2. Frequency distribution ofPeary caribou on south-central parturient cows and newborn calves were, however, signifi- Queen Elizabeth Islands, NWT, July 1985 and July 1988 cantly overrepresented on Massey Island vs. the remainder of the survey area in both years (Table2: 1985, X’ = 9.18, Q?” sex/age classes df = 2; P <0.025 VS. 1988, X’ = 20.11, df = 2; P <0.005). Island Year Juv./yrl.’Bulls n Calves Cows In 1985, 318 muskoxen were counted during the aerial Bathurst23.421.0 26.3 29.3 205 1985 survey (Table 3). The overall mean density estimates of 32.89.6 27.5 30.1 396 1988 muskoxen onthe six islands was2.8 (f0.7623.1 S.E.) 34.6 Massey42.3 52 1985 muskoxen.100 km-’. Only 4.8% ofthe estimated muskoxen19.1 35.7 45.2 84 1988 occurred on Alexander Island, and none was seen on the 23.1 19.2Vanier 25.0 32.7 52 1985 other four satellite islands. The overallproportion of calves 18.216.9 24.7 40.2 77 1988 Alexander 1985 33.316.7 24 20.8 29.2 among observed muskoxen on all six islands was 17.0%: 42.928.6 10.7 17.8 28 1988 16.7%on Bathurst Island and 4 of 19 muskoxenon Cameron/Marcb10.552.6 10.6 26.3 19 1985 Alexander Island. 23.5 76.5 17 1988 In 1988, 331 muskoxen were counted during the aerial Allislands six 198531.635226.119.023.3 survey(Table 3). Theoverall mean density estimate of 29.212.026.7 32.1 602 1988 muskoxen on the six islands was2.7 (f0.56 S.E.) ‘JuvJyrl. equals juvenile or yearling caribou. %mall samples from Cameron Island and Ilewere Marc combined to allow muskoxen-100 km-’. Only3.5% of all the estimated Chi-square Goodness-of-fit tests where the hypotheticaldistribution equaled muskoxen occurred collectively on Cameron, Vanier and the overall sample from all six islands in each year. 60 / EL. MILLER

Number of muskoxen counted' Estimated number of muskoxenb Off transect On transect Tot. f S.E. Tot. fS.E. 1988 1985 1988 1985 1988 1985 1988 Island 1985 1985 1988 114 (28) 138 (22)Bathurst 138 (28) 114 (17) 135143 (22) 521 f 145.6 503 f 106.9 Vanier 0 0 0 3 0 6 f 2.9 Cameron 0 0 0 4 0 7 f 3.5 Alexander 8 (4) 1 7 3 26 f 23.1 6 f 3.8 122 (32) 139 (22) 547 (22) 139 Totals (32) 122 (17) 153 (22) 142 522 f 147.2 f 108.0 'Number of calves in parentheses. b1985 and 1988 population estimates are not significantly different (t-test, P>0.05) for all islands or combination of islands; no muskoxen were seen on Ile Marc or Massey Island in 1985 or 1988. that maintenance of regular inter-movements had persisted atically survey those five islands (at least at 25% aerial over time (Manning, 1960; Banfield, 1961). Some inter-island coverage), I believe he would have detected an early stage populations of caribou onthe Canadian Arctic Archipelago of the increase in the numberof caribou within the six-island, have been well documented (e.g., Milleret al., 1977b, 1982). south-central QEI complex in 1981. Also, additional fragmentaryevidence for inter-island The results from all aerial surveys except1974 indicate a movements by caribou on the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, marked preference by caribou for some rangeson the satel- both directand indirect observations, has been reportedand lite islands, especially Massey Island, over those on Bathurst summarized in terms of ecological importance in Miller Island (Tbble5). Thus, it appears that any population estimate (199Oa). At least two basic typesof inter-island movements of Peary caribou on Bathurst Island made in summer is likely are perpetuated by caribou on the Arctic Archipelago: 1) to be an underestimate of as much as nearly one-third(Bble periodicseasonal migrations, and 2) sporadic,environ- 5) of the total number of caribou within the six-island mentally forced inter-island movements due to widespread complex. Population estimates made during extreme lows in forage unavailability brought onby unfavourable snow/ice 1974 and 1975 would not have markedly influenced those conditions (e.g., Milleret al., 1977a,b, 1982; Miller, 19Wa,b). estimates of Bathurst Island, if the five satellite islands had Both periodic inter-island migrations and sporadic inter- not been surveyed (Bble 5). Therefore, survey results from island movements serve to allow maximal use of the best satellite islands are desirable for better evaluationthe bio- of available ranges (in termsof quality, quantity or availability logical soundness of any necessary management decisions. of forage). Such inter-island movements also provide a con- On the other hand, there is no evidence, direct or indirect, tinuingmeans bywhich Peary cariboucan eventually of regular inter-island movements of muskoxen among the repopulate islands where caribou herds have been annihilatedsouth-central QEI. There is,however, evidence of muskoxen through prolonged or rapid major die-offs. moving during a periodof widespread forage unavailability Indirect evidence for inter-island movements of Peary in winter 1973-74 from Bathurst Island to at least Little caribouamong Bathurst Island and adjacent islands is Cornwallis and Cornwallis islands (Milleret ul., 1977a). Also, available in the form of changing numbers (both annually Inuit hunters from ResoluteBay, Cornwallis Island, believe and seasonally) and markedly distorted representations of that muskoxen (and caribou) commonly move backand forth caribou by sex/age classes (e.g., Bissett, 1968; Freeman, 1975; between Bathurst Island and Little Cornwallisor Cornwallis Miller et al., 1977b; Miller and Gunn, 1978; Miller, 1987a, islands (G. Eckalook, T. Manik, L. Nungag, pers. comm. 1990a,b). Ferguson(1987) did not survey Bathurst's five major western satellite islands in August 1981, becauseof prior com- TABLE 5. Proportional distributions of Peary caribou on Bathurst mitments for the use of the aircraft at that time (M.A.D. Island vs. the five western major satellite islands (Vanier, Cameron, Ferguson, pers. comm. 1988). If he had been toable system- Alexander, Massey and Marc), NWT

Vo of estimated TABLE 4. Frequency distribution of muskoxen on south-central Estimatedtotal population occurring Annual Chi-square Queen Elizabeth Islands, NWT, July 1985 and July 1988 populationfor on five western contributions Year all six islandssatelliteislands (df = 1) 1988' 1034 20.6d@lo sex/age classes1034 1988' 12.8 727 31.gd 123.4 31.gd 1985' 727 Island Year Cows/juv./yrl.'n Calves Bulls 361 1975b 3.3* 45.8 1985 299 19.1 16.7 64.2 16.7 Bathurst 19.1 299 1985 16.7 1974b 228 0.1 1988 320 38.4 12.2 49.4 12.2 38.4 320 132.91988 23.6d 3565 1961' Alexander 1985 19 21.1 21.1 21.1 19 1985 57.8 "Data source, Miller and this study. 1988 4 50.0 50.0 (1987a) Cameron 1988 4 100.0 bData source, Fischer and Duncan (1976). Vanier 'Data source, Tener (1963). 1988 3 100.0 dA~~alcontribution of caribou on a relative landmass basis estimatedon 1985 318 19.2 17.0 63.8 17.0 19.2Totals 318 1985 1988 331 39.9 11.8 48.3 11.8 39.9 331 1988 the five western major satellite islandswas significantly (P<0.005) greater in 1988, 1985and 1961 and less in 1975 than the estimated number on 'No attempt was made to segregate cows from juvenilesor yearlings, because Bathurst Island (where respective landmassareas are Bathurst Island [83.5%] of the difficultyof constantly doingso while the observers were airborne. vs. the five major western satellite islands [16.5%]). BATHURST ISLAND PEARY CARIBOU AND MUSKOXEN 1 61

1988). Thus, there is no evidence to even suggest that any for low-density populations of caribou or muskoxen to be range on the five western major satellite islands has beenor adequately managed on a biologically sound basis. currently isimportant to muskoxen within the south-central Thealternative approach wouldbe to conductaerial QEI (Table 6). Only a few muskoxen have been found on surveys of Bathurst Island only (but still at least at 25% any of the five western satellite islands(Bner, 1963; Fischer coverage) and base all management decisions on the resultant and Duncan, 1976; Milleret al., 1977a; Miller, 1987a). Even estimates as measures of “minimum populations.” If this in summer 1961, when the highest number of muskoxen (n lower cost approach is employed, apparent increases in popu- = 1161) was estimated within the six-island, south-central lation sizes could occur over time (possibly even between QEIcomplex (Tener, 1963), only 2.2% were on the five surveys) at rates that would be well beyondthe populations’ western satellite islands (Table 6). maximum reproduction potential. These erroneously per- For management purposes a decision most often has to ceived increases could be solely or partially due to annual be made between the costs of obtaining highly accuratedata variations in summer occupation of the various islands within and the need for collecting less accurate information at a the south-central QEI complex. Also, with the alternative lower cost. For Peary caribou and muskox populations withinlower cost approach it will not be possible to accurately this south-central QEI complex, I conclude the following. evaluate the apparent impact of various levels of annual 1) Whenobtaining accurate estimatesof numbers and satis- harvests, because no measure will be knownof the possible factory samples of sex/age composition, it will be necessaryexchange of animals and the associated annual variation in to aerial survey at least Bathurstand the five major western such exchanges dueto inter-island movements resulting from satellite islands at minimum coverages of at least 25% and traditionsor environmentally forced events. Thus, 50% respectively. Extrapolation of the number of animals management decisions relatingto harvest of especially Peary seen on each set ofalternate line transects (oddvs. even) on caribou will haveto be ultra-conservative, in orderto be safe each of the satellite islands, when surveyedat 50% coverage, over the long term until it can be demonstrated without doubt gives two additional population estimates for the satellite that the herd can sustain high rates of annual harvests. islands (at 25% coverage each)to compare directly with the These findings support the position that harvesting of results from the25% coverage ofBathurst Island.2) Ideally, muskoxen and especially Rary caribou on Bathurst Island spot checks should be carriedout on the other satellite islandsshould be carriedout only at low ratesand strictly controlled of Bathurst Island, on Little Cornwallis Island and on, at by Inuit of Resolute Bay.Also, to promote population growth, least, northeastern(Fileanor Lake drainage)and southwestern any limited harvestthat is considered should exclude female Cornwallis Island. This extra effort is particularly important individuals, especially those of breeding age. if environmental stress during the previous winter is sus- pected. 3) If funding permits, subsequent intensive resurvey ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS of caribou ormuskox concentrations shouldbe carried out, as recommended by Ferguson (1987). To date, however, no The studywas supported by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), agency has been forthcoming with the additional funds Environment Canada, and Polar Continental Shelf Project(PCSP), necessary to do so. I recommend 50% coverage of the sat- Energy, Mines and Resources Canada.I am gratefulto G.D. Hobson, ellite islands becauseit is only an additional small cost and past director, PCSP, forhis long-time supportof my caribou studies. is necessary to better evaluate the sexjage composition of S.J.Barry, CWS, kindlyprovided statistical assistance; S.M. the caribou on those small islandsand tofurther document MacEachran, CWS, drafted the figures. I thank J.R.W. McGillis the apparent annual preferenceby breeding cariboucows for and A. Westcott for their assistance as observers and pilots Dave postcalving and probably calving areas on Massey Island. White (1985) and Len Martin (1988), Associated Helicopters Ltd., for their flying skill and for their assistance as navigator-spotter I believedetailed knowledge of sex/age composition is on the survey and searches. I thank Dr. A. Gunn, Department of necessary, along with reliabledata about trends in numbers, Renewable Resources (DRR), Government of the Northwest Terri- tories (GNWT), and Dr. R.G.W.Edwards, CWS, for critically reading TABLE 6. Proportional distributions of muskoxen on Bathurst the manuscript. I also thank M.A.D. Ferguson, DRR, GNWT, and Island vs. the five western major satellite islands (Vanier, Cameron,two anonymous reviewers for their reviews of the manuscript. Alexander, Massey and Marc), NWT REFERENCES Vo of estimated Estimatedtotal population occurring Annual Chi-square BANFIELD, A.W.F. 1961. A revision of the reindeer and caribou, genus populationfor on five western contributions Rangifer. National Museum of Canada Bulletin 177 (Biological Series Year islandssatellite sixislands (df all = 1) No. 66). 137 p. 1988“ 547 95.2‘ 547 1988“ 54.45 BERGERUD, A.T. 1974. The role of the environment in the aggregation, 1985” 62.21 522 86.5’ movementand disturbance behaviour of caribou. In: Geist, V., and 69‘ 100.0’ 13.68 100.0’ 1975b 69‘ Walther, F., eds. International Union for Conservation of Nature and 1974b 189 100.0’ 189 1974b 38.29 Natural Resources, Morges, Switzerland. New Series Publications No. 1161 97.8’ 173.01 97.8’ 1%1d 1161 24552-584. BISSETT, D. 1968. Resolute: An area economic survey. Vol. I1 of Lancaster “Data source, Miller (1987a) and this study. Sound Survey. Ottawa: Industrial Division, Department of Indian Affairs bData source, Fischer and Duncan (1976). and Northern Development. 175 p. ‘No muskoxen were seen “on transect” by Fischer and Duncan (1976) in COCHRAN, W.G. 1963. Sampling techniques. 2nd ed. New York: John 1975; therefore, none was estimated (69 = actual number of muskoxen Wiley & Sons Inc. 413 p. seen “off-transect”). DUNBAR, M., and GREENAWAY, K.R. 1956. Arctic Canada from the dData source, Tener (1963). air. Ottawa: Canadian Defense Research Board. 541 p. ‘Annual contributionof muskoxen on a relative landmass basis estimated EDLUND, S.A. 1983. Bioclimatic zonation in a High Arctic region:central on Bathurst Island was significantly(P ~0.005)greater in all years than Queen Elizabeth Islands. Current Research, Part A, Geological Survey the estimated numberon the five major western satellite islandscollectively. of Canada, paper 83-1A381-390. 62 / EL. MILLER

FERGUSON, M.A.D. 1987. Status of Peary caribou and muskox popu- -. 1988. Peary caribou andmuskoxen on Melville and Byam Martin lations on Bathurst Island, N.W.T., August 1981. Arctic 40131-137. islands, Northwest Territories, July 1987. Technical Report Series No. FISCHER, C.A., and DUNCAN, E.A.1976. Ecological studies of caribou 37. Edmonton: Canadian Wildlife Service, Western and Northern Region, and muskoxen inthe Arctic Archipelago and northernKeewatin. Renewable Alberta. 58 p. Resources Consulting Services Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta. 194 p. Available -. 1990a. Inter-island movements of Peary caribou: A review and at the Arctic Institute Collection, University of Calgary Library, Calgary,appraisement of their ecological importance. In: Harington, C.R., ed. Alberta, Canada. Canada’s Missing Dimension - Science and History in the Canadian FORTIER, Y.O., BLACKADAR,R.G., GRENIER, H.R., McLAREN, Arctic Islands. Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature. Vol. 2608-632. D.J., McMILLAN, N.F., NORRIS, A.W., ROOTS, E.F., SOUTHER, .199Ob. Peary caribou status report. Canadian Wildlife Service report J.G., THORSTEINSSON, R., and TOZER, E.T. 1963. Geology of the prepared for the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in north-centralpart of theArctic Archipelago, Northwest Territories Canada. Edmonton: Canadian Wildlife Service, Western and Northern (Operation Franklin). Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Memoir Region, Alberta. 64 p. 320. 671 p. MILLER, EL., and GUNN, A. 1978. Inter-island movements of Peary FREEMAN, M.M.R. 1975. Assessing movement inan arctic caribou popu- caribou south of Viscount Melville Sound, Northwest Territories. Canadian lation. Journal of Environmental Management 3:251-257. Field-Naturalist 92327-333. HEAPE, W.1931. Emigration,migration and nomadism. Cambridge, MILLER, EL., EDMONDS, E.J., andGUNN, A. 1982. Foraging behaviour England: W. Heffer and Sons. 369 p. of Peary caribou in response to springtime snow and ice conditions. KINGSLEY, M.C.S., and SMITH, G.E.J. 1981. Analysis of data arising Canadian Wildlife Service Occasional Paper No. 48. 41 p. fromsystematic transect surveys. In: Miller, EL., andGunn, A., MILLER, EL., RUSSELL, R.H., and GUNN, A. 1977a. Distributions, co-eds., and Hieb, S.R., publ. ed. Northwest Section - The Wildlife movements and numbersPeary of caribou and muskoxenon western Queen Society. Proceedings, Symposium on census and inventory methods Elizabeth Islands, Northwest Territories, 1972-74. Canadian Wildlife for population and habitats.Moscow, Idaho: The Forest, Wildlife and Service Report Series No. 40. 55 p. Range Experiment Station, University of Idaho. Contribution No. 217. MILLER,EL., RUSSELL,R.H., and GUNN, A. 1977b. Inter-island 40-48. movements of Peary caribou (Rangver tarunduspearya) on western Queen MANNING, T.H. 1960. The relationshipof the Peary and barren-ground Elizabeth Islands, arctic Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology 551029-1037. caribou. Rchnical Paper No. 4. Montreal: Arctic Institute of North PARKER, G.R., THOMAS, D.C., MADORE, P.L., andGRAY, D.R. 1975. America. 52 p. Crashes of muskox and Peary caribou populations in 1973-74 in the Parry MILLER, EL. 1987a. Peary caribou andmuskoxen on Bathurst,Alexander, islands, Arctic Canada. Canadian Wildlife Service Progress Notes NO. Marc, Massey, Vanier, Cameron, Helena, Lougheed, and Edmund Walker 56. 10 p. islands, Northwest Territories, July 1985. Technical Report Series NO. SAVILE, D.B.O. 1961. The botany of the northwestern Queen Elizabeth 20. Edmonton: Canadian Wildlife Service, Western and Northern Region, Islands. Canadian Journal of Botany 39909-942. Alberta. 45 p. TENER, J.S. 1963. Queen Elizabeth Islands game survey, 1961.Canadian . 1987b. Peary caribou and muskoxen on Prince Patrick Island, Wildlife Service Occasional Paper NO. 4. 50 p. Eglinton Island, and Emerald Isle, Northwest Territories, July 1986. THORSTEINSSON, R. 1958. Cornwallis and Little Cornwallis islands, Technical Report Series No. 29.Edmonton: CanadianWildlife Service, District of Franklin, Northwest Territories. Geological Survey Canada Western and Northern Region, Alberta. 65 p. Memoir 294. 134 p.