For years, we and other research groups have compiled indirect evidence that linear features are increasing predation risk for threatened caribou herds in Alberta. This includes associating seismic lines and pipelines with food that attracts predators and alternate prey, the occupancy of linear features by predators, and the movement rates of wolves on seismic lines.
In a paper, we investigated the carcasses of dead caribou to determine cause of death. We now have direct proof that predation is indeed higher around certain linear features.
This QuickNote summarizes key results.
