PROTECTING BEVERLY AND QAMANIRJUAQ CARIBOU
AND CARIBOU RANGE

Types of Information Used for Mapping

Photos: Robert Mulders, RWED, Govt. of the NWT

Three types of scientific information were used to map Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou distribution and movements:

• government survey data,
• locations of satellite-monitored caribou, and
• data on sites used by caribou to cross water bodies (water and ice crossings).

These information sources are described briefly below.

Traditional knowledge will be incorporated when it becomes available. In 1999, the BQCMB conducted a pilot study in Manitoba to identify a method for collecting traditional knowledge on caribou distribution during different life cycle periods. An approach that can be used across the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou range is being developed.

For links to more detailed descriptions of the data used, limitations of these data, and references, return to Data Sources.

A. Government Survey Data

Maps were based on information collected during government surveys of caribou distribution and abundance from 1940 to 1995. A variety of survey types produced different types of information that vary in terms of accuracy, detail, and other characteristics.

The amount of survey data used for mapping varies between caribou herds and among life cycle periods. The greatest number and highest frequency of surveys occurred for calving grounds, and information about caribou distribution during late winter and spring migration was also collected relatively frequently. The least amount of information from surveys was available for late summer and fall migration/rut periods.

Summary of survey information used for mapping

Approximately 1800 locations of 13 satellite-monitored caribou were used to produce maps of caribou movements between March 1993 and May 1997. Between 3 and 8 female adult caribou were monitored at any particular time during this period. Monitoring periods for individual caribou varied from 4.5 months to more than 2 years.

Table describing satellite-monitoring data used for mapping

One hundred-and-twenty (120) sites used by Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou to cross water bodies have been identified and mapped, including 43 sites previously documented in publications.

Only 39 of these crossing sites are protected in any way. Federal legislation completely protects 34 crossings, including 27 sites under the Territorial Land Use Regulations, 7 other sites located in the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, and 4 sites protected by both. Five sites are partially protected because one shore of these crossings lies within the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary (4 crossings) or Athabasca Sand Dunes Wilderness Park (1 crossing).

Table describing mapped water and ice crossings

A system for assessing the relative importance of individual crossing sites to caribou was developed by Don Thomas, who initially rated several sites based on his knowledge of the Beverly caribou herd and its range. Ratings for additional sites and revisions to previous ratings can be added to the database as more information becomes available.

More information about water crossings and the rating system

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