Group Cohesion and Leadership Response by Barren-Ground Caribou to Man-Made Barriers

Abstract

Barren-ground caribou Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus of the Kaminuriak population on the Canadian mainland west of Hudson Bay make annual migrations of several hundred kilometres to and from their calving ground. A man-made barrier to corral caribou for marking and release failed because caribou would not leave the frozen water course at the entrance to the corral, nor would they readily deviate from learned travel routes. Some caribou delayed their migration northward until they found ways to circumvent the barrier. Other caribou overcame the man-made obstacle and continued on their set course. Any disruption of caribou movement could be detrimental to cow and calf survival because of increased dangers along new routes chosen and the delay of pregnant cows in reaching the calving grounds.