Rapid population increase in an introduced muskox population, West Greenland

• Published in: Rangifer
• Main Author: Carsten Riis Olesen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Septentrio Academic Publishing 1993
• Subjects: Muskoxen; Greenland; introduction; populations; population dynamics; Animal culture; SF1-1100; Angujaartorfiup Nunaa; Kangerlussuaq; Kangerlussuaq Airport; caribou; East Greenland; muskox; Rangifer
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7557/2.13.1.1069; https://doaj.org/article/03b27c78589440bfa268dc0b941ec238

In 1962 and 1965, 27 (13 and 14) muskox yearlings were translocated from East Greenland (71°N) to the Angujaartorfiup Nunaa range in West Greenland (67°N). Angujaartorfiup Nunaa is a 6600 km2 icefree, continental area where caribou are indigenous. The climate is strictly continental with a minimum of precipitation but with abundant vegetation. Aerial surveys in 1990 documented that the muskox population has increased to 2600 heads despite quota-based harvesting since 1988. The annual quota was 200, 300 and 400 for 1988, 1989 and 1990, respectively. Distribution of muskoxen shows a significant preference for low altitude habitats southeast of Kangerlussuaq Airport and around Arnangarnup Qoorua (Paradise valley). Annual population increment averages 30% and the calf crop is around 24% of the population. Yearling recruitment in the population reveals that calf mortality during winter is very limited. About half of the 1-year-old females are served and they eventually give birth to their first calf when they turn 2 years old. With half of the 2-year-old females reproducing, the calf/cow ration ranges between 0.9 and 1.0.