General biology of woodland caribou based on collection of local and traditional knowledge in north-central Saskatchewan

Woodland caribou are listed as a threatened species in Saskatchewan. The need for contemporary data is paramount for conservation of this species. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of threats to woodland caribou: forestry and logging, road development and expansion, mineral exploration and other long term changes to the landscape. Despite previous research effort, the current distribution and critical habitat of woodland caribou in north-central Saskatchewan is still poorly understood. Drawing upon the knowledge of a selected target group, interviews have been conducted to attain local and traditional knowledge on woodland caribou. Local knowledge has been used to identify key information about woodland caribou critical habitat and ecology in the north central region and more remote areas. Through the objectives of this research we have been able to identify current and historical abundance patterns; adult and calf biology; predator prey interactions; human activity on the landscape and potential effect on woodland caribou ecology; and weather/fire patterns and the potential effect on woodland caribou distribution. The significance of this type of research is critical in understanding woodland caribou biology in northern and remote areas. In addition, this project recognizes contributions and involvement of Aboriginal peoples in academic and government research initiatives.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor

University of Saskatchewan

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Carriere, Naomi Blossom

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Messier, Francois

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Clarke, Douglas
• Wilson, Ken
• Neal, Richard
• Ervin, Alexander M.

• woodland caribou
• local knowledge
• north-central Saskatchewan

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10388/etd-09202010-225013

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:harvest.usask.ca:10388/etd-09202010-225013