Climate

Research has shown that caribou are harassed by mosquitoes and parasitic flies more during warmer summers. During warm weather the insects are more active and the caribou spend more time standing around and less time feeding.

It is harder for caribou to get at their winter food (mainly lichens) when the snow is deep. In winters with deep snow they need to spend more time pawing through the snow to reach the lichens. This uses more energy and takes time away from eating.

Research has established links between these climate variables, the amount of time cow caribou spend feeding, and the energy they use in their various activities. This information about feeding, activities and energy use has then been linked to body condition of the cows and their rates of pregnancy and calf survival.

Harvest

The Model

These links have been put together in the form of a model which can be used to look at how changes in climate conditions, harvest rate and harvest type could affect the Porcupine Caribou Herd. The model is based on eight years of observations on the effects of weather on the Herd, 20 years of harvest records, and 18 years of monitoring the Herd's movements and population dynamics.

You can run a simplified version of the model here. This version of the model will allow you to predict how changes in climate and harvest could affect the population of the Porcupine Caribou Herd over a ten-year period. You will be asked to make choices about climate and harvest, then you will start the model working. When you have looked at how your choices affect the Herd size and the annual harvest, change one or more of your choices, and see what happens. Read more about the model