Observations of muskoxen and caribou in the high Arctic

Summary: Summer daily activity and movement patterns and habitat selectivity by Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) were studied at two sites in Canada's High Arctic. Caribou showed a greater mobility and broader selection of habitat than muskoxen. Muskoxen...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Parker, G R, Ross, R K
Format: Dataset
Language:English
Published: PANGAEA 1976
Subjects:
Axel Heiberg Island
Canadian Arctic
Bailey_Point
Melville Island
Mokka_Fjord
OBSE
Observation
Arctic
Heiberg
Peary
ovibos moschatus
polar desert
Polarforschung
Rangifer
Rangifer tarandus
Online Access:https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.761275
https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761275
Description
Summary:Summary: Summer daily activity and movement patterns and habitat selectivity by Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) were studied at two sites in Canada's High Arctic. Caribou showed a greater mobility and broader selection of habitat than muskoxen. Muskoxen fed more than they rested in contrast to the greater amount of time spent resting than feeding by caribou. The sedge-producing hydric-meadow vegetalion type was highly selected for by muskoxen at both study areas; caribou selected against the hydric-meadow type and preferred the polar desert and mesic-meadow types. Caribou displayed a greater variety in plant species selection than muskoxen, favouring willow (Salix arctica), grasses, forbs, and the flowers of vascular plants- Muskoxen feci extensively on sedges in the hydric-meadow. It is suggested the abundance and distribution of sedge-producing meadows may control the regional abundance and distribution of muskoxen. Winter climate is probably the ultimate factor controlling densities of muskoxen and caribou in the High Arctic.

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