Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Caribou in the Arctic
Research conducted by the USGS Alaska Science Center on terrestrial mammals is focused on informing Department of Interior management decisions across Alaska. Our work provides timely and highly relevant scientific information for management issues such as the response of caribou to a warming climate and human development, future possible changes in distribution and abundance, and the effects of changing habitats used for forage.
Population dynamics
Why do caribou populations fluctuate? Why do their migration patterns change year after year? How healthy is the herd? Working in collaboration with multiple partners in Alaska, the USGS is addressing these common questions for caribou populations in Alaska. Read more here: Improving calf survival of the Chisana Caribou Herd

Response of caribou to industrial infrastructure
Are Arctic caribou habituated to energy development on the North Slope? Do caribou use habitats near and within the oilfields in northern Alaska? Read more here:
Forage and weather
Will caribou be impacted by changes in weather, insects and plant forages? Are their habitats changing?
Read more here: Resilience of caribou to climatic shifts in the Arctic

Videos
Below are data releases associated with this project.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Evaluation of wolf density estimation from radiotelemetry data
Demography of Dall's sheep in northwestern Alaska
Marrow fat deposition and skeletal growth in caribou calves
Winter habitat use by female caribou in relation to wildland fires in interior Alaska
Evaluating the impacts of wildland fires on caribou in interior Alaska
Serologic survey for canine coronavirus in wolves from Alaska
Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Caribou in the Arctic
Research conducted by the USGS Alaska Science Center on terrestrial mammals is focused on informing Department of Interior management decisions across Alaska. Our work provides timely and highly relevant scientific information for management issues such as the response of caribou to a warming climate and human development, future possible changes in distribution and abundance, and the effects of changing habitats used for forage.
Population dynamics
Why do caribou populations fluctuate? Why do their migration patterns change year after year? How healthy is the herd? Working in collaboration with multiple partners in Alaska, the USGS is addressing these common questions for caribou populations in Alaska. Read more here: Improving calf survival of the Chisana Caribou Herd

Response of caribou to industrial infrastructure
Are Arctic caribou habituated to energy development on the North Slope? Do caribou use habitats near and within the oilfields in northern Alaska? Read more here:
Forage and weather
Will caribou be impacted by changes in weather, insects and plant forages? Are their habitats changing?
Read more here: Resilience of caribou to climatic shifts in the Arctic

Videos
Below are data releases associated with this project.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.