University of Alberta Spatial Dynamics of Wolves and Woodland Caribou in an Industrial Forest Landscape in West-Central Alberta by Lalenia Michele Neufeld A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management Department of Renewable Resources Edmonton, Alberta Spring, 2006 Abstract Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations are threatened in Canada. Wolves (Canis lupus) and anthropogenic industrial developments have been cited as proximate and ultimate causes for caribou decline, respectively. I used resource selection functions (RSFs) to assess selection patterns of wolves and caribou in relation to landscape features of the Little Smoky region in west-central Alberta; I also examined the potential for spatial and temporal overlap. In addition, I experimentally examined hypotheses related to predator-mobility and seismic line recovery via line-blocking. Both species exhibited seasonal variation in selection patterns, though in general caribou avoided, whereas wolves selected, human infrastructure. There was large potential for overlap between wolves and caribou, particularly during the spring. There was no evidence that line-blocking was an effective technique for reducing predator mobility. RSF models could be used in evaluating and implementing future conservation and management initiatives for the Little Smoky caribou region. Acknowledgements The completion of this work has not been without considerable support from several people and organisations. Fiona’s office, wherever it might have been, was always open, inviting, and inspirational. Her perceptive comments and challenging questions have contributed to every endeavour of this degree. Thanks for instilling greater appreciations of conservation biology, academics, deadlines, writing, and how to balance absolutely everything in life (though, admittedly, I haven’t perfected that one); I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Schmiegelow research group. Additionally, my supervisory committee, Stan Boutin and Andy Derocher, offered constructive comments throughout my degree. I was fortunate to have the invaluable support of Kim Lisgo, the “GPS collar expert of the province,” without ever having to ask (and more recently, Simon Slater). The behind-the- scenes work of Kim and Simon was critical to successful captures, data sharing agreements, and clean GPS data. I am thankful to Kirby Smith and the rest of the West-Central Alberta Caribou Standing Committee for putting forth funds and providing the freedom to embark on this wolf-caribou thesis. Brian Coupal of the Caribou Range Restoration Project was critical to development and implementation of the line-blocking experiment and was the only one who truly appreciated seismic-line chatter. I also appreciate cooperation from local trappers Albert Steinwand and Lloyd Clark. Saakje Hazenberg, Tobi Anaka, and Robbie Gordey were inspirations and the finest field assistants; thanks for the hard work, commitment, great dogs, and mutual loves of cheese, outdoors, and good books. I wish to thank Sophie Czetwertynski and Rolland Lemieux, without whom I wouldn’t have increased N by 8. Rolland and Sophie were also responsible for transforming a rudimentary field camp into a five-star resort! Thanks Tony and Clay of Bighorn Helicopters for the professional caribou and wolf captures, especially for the occasions of “Layla, you owe us for this one.” Thanks to the Devon and Burlington guys for deep fried turkey and new perspectives, in addition to an open invitation for help if needed. Of all the dear friends I am fortunate to have made at the UofA, I must first acknowledge the support of Luc: thanks for letting me pull the “thesis card” over groceries and vacuuming, for reading drafts, and most importantly, for bringing motivations up when they sometimes fell down; I am waiting to give it back. Joanne Saher and Cam Aldridge never turned away an opportunity to help a fellow RSFer. Your contributions have been instrumental and I appreciate every long phone call and email. Thanks to the Schmiegelites lab group (Cindy, Kathy, Kim, Landon, Lee, Meg, Roger, Simon, Scott, Shannon, Shawn, Sophie, Theresa, and Tracy), with whom a phenomenal dynamic always existed, whether in swirling scientific banter or over scary Halloween movies; you guys have made the windowless office such a sunny place to be. Views of Nicky Koper, Mark Hebblewhite, and Meg Krawchuk on graduate life and statistical approaches shaped my outlook and analyses; thank you. John Acorn, I appreciate the opportunity to have assisted in teaching your wildlife class and all the quirky things you brought to life on the seventh floor. Campus Rec and the intramural program kept me in shape and clothed. And lastly, I can’t possibly name fellow graduate students and others who’ve influenced my quality of life through adventures, sports teams, and friendship, but you know who you are. My brother and sister have been helpful in sharing the graduate experience. Particularly Steph, your formatting expertise, treats, and flexible schedule have not gone unnoticed. Finally, thanks to my parents, who have encouraged that everything is possible and gave me the best appreciation for wild spaces through a life-long commitment to living in them. They’ve been a guiding influence throughout my life as a result of their personal sacrifices and have taught me everything I know about mechanics, hard work, appreciation for good food, and where to find clean air. The following organisations provided funding, equipment and/or logistical support: Alberta Conservation Association (Challenge Grants in Biodiversity) Alberta Cooperative Conservation Research Unit (GPS collars and vehicle) Alberta Sport, Park, Recreation, and Wildlife Foundation Canadian Boreal Alberta Research Grants (Canadian Circumpolar Institute) Environment Canada and World Wildlife Fund (Endangered Species Recovery Fund) Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Canada (Project Funding) Alberta Newsprint Company (WCACSC; digital data) Belcourt Contracting and North Aspect Contracting (line-blocking implementation) Burlington Resources Incorporated (in-kind helicopter time) Canadian Forest Products Ltd (WCACSC; digital data; funding through FRIP) Devon Resources Canada (endless tanks of fuel) Sustainable Resource Development (ATV) West-Fraser Timber (WCACSC; digital data) Weyerhaeuser Company (WCACSC; digital data) Personal Funding: Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society Post-Graduate Fund Department of Renewable Resources Graduate Research Assistantship Government of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship Margaret Brine Memorial Scholarship (Canadian Federation of University Women) Mary Louise Imrie Graduate Student Award (Travel Grant) Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (IPS with Canfor) Orville Erickson Memorial Scholarship Fund Province of Alberta Graduate Scholarship Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Yellowhead Chapter Scholarship TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction ...............................................................................................- 1 - 1. Thesis overview ......................................................................................................- 4 - 2. Literature Cited .......................................................................................................- 7 - Chapter 2: Year-Round Resource Selection by Wolves in the Little Smoky Caribou Region of West-Central Alberta................................................................................- 11 - 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................- 11 - 2. Study Area ............................................................................................................- 14 - 3. Methods.................................................................................................................- 15 - 3.1 Wolf location data...........................................................................................- 15 - 3.2 Wolf season delineation..................................................................................- 17 - 3.3 Nonlinear modelling .......................................................................................- 18 - 3.4 Resource Sampling .........................................................................................- 19 - 3.5 Model building strategies and statistical methods ..........................................- 23 - 4. Results...................................................................................................................- 26 - 4.1 Wolf location data...........................................................................................- 26 - 4.2 Non-linear modelling ......................................................................................- 27 - 4.3 Ungulate models .............................................................................................- 27 - 4.4 Wolf model building and validation ...............................................................- 28 - 5. Discussion .............................................................................................................- 33 - 5.1 Response to human infrastructure...................................................................- 34 - 5.2 Other influential variables...............................................................................-