Using new LiDAR-derived maps of caribou habitat, we will determine how caribou and their predators respond to seismic cutlines. Results from this research may be used to guide well-directed, science-based restoration of caribou habitat.
Analysis and restoration of seismic cutlines in Southern Mountain and Boreal caribou range in west-central Alberta
Starting in 2013, this project is looking at how caribou and wolf behaviour is related to cutlines.
Read more about the project
- Spring 2014
Lidar based terrain metrics
Progress update: Complete
- Spring 2014
Fieldwork
Progress update: Summer and winter fieldwork in ALP and LSM complete
- Spring 2014
Fieldwork - new
Progress update: Crews are now collecting data in the Narraway & Redrock Prairie Creek ranges
- Spring 2014
Analysis of human use data
Progress update: Analysis on year one data complete
- Spring 2014
Analysis of animal data
Progress update: Preliminary data analysis complete; additional analysis underway
- Spring 2014
Map of priority areas for restoration
Progress update: Preliminary map produced
Caribou Program Update: Data from Scat
Scat is a precious resource in ecology, rich in data that can tell us a lot about the size and health of herds.
Video: Setting Up Trail Cameras with the Caribou Program
Caribou Program fieldwork doesn't have an off season. The field crew have been busily snowshoeing up and down seismic lines in caribou habitat, setting up trail cameras. In this short video, Doug shows how they are collecting data and explains some of the Caribou Program projects.
Caribou Program Update – December 2015
The Caribou Program has a lot going on these days: field work, data analysis, paper writing and a brand new project! Here are some of the highlights.
2 Student Groups Visit fRI Research
Lakehead University and Lakeland College visited fRI Research to learn about our Grizzly Bear and Caribou Programs.
Poster: The density of anthropogenic features explains seasonal and behaviour-based functional responses in selection of linear features by a social predator
Scientific poster from the Caribou Program.
Infographic: Predicting Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Seismic Lines
Graphical abstract by Jennifer Hird for a recent Caribou Program paper predicting OHV use on seismic lines.
Motorized Activity on Legacy Seismic Lines: A Predictive Modeling Approach to Prioritize Restoration Efforts
Peer reviewed paper from the Caribou Program.
Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears
Peer reviewed paper from the Caribou, GIS, and Grizzly Bear Programs.
Infographic: Movement of Predators Influenced by Seismic Lines
Graphical abstract for the paper, "Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears."
Laura Finnegan
Program Lead
Gord Stenhouse
Program Lead