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Parker, G R; Ross, R K (1976): Observations of muskoxen and caribou in the high Arctic [dataset publication series]. PANGAEA, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761275, Supplement to: Parker, GR; Ross, RK (1976): Summer habitat use by muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) in the Canadian High Arctic. Polarforschung, 46(1), 12-25, hdl:10013/epic.29430.d001

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Published: 1976 (exact date unknown) • DOI registered: 2011-06-29

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Abstract:
Summary: Summer daily activity and movement patterns and habitat selectivity by Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) were studied at two sites in Canada's High Arctic. Caribou showed a greater mobility and broader selection of habitat than muskoxen. Muskoxen fed more than they rested in contrast to the greater amount of time spent resting than feeding by caribou. The sedge-producing hydric-meadow vegetalion type was highly selected for by muskoxen at both study areas; caribou selected against the hydric-meadow type and preferred the polar desert and mesic-meadow types. Caribou displayed a greater variety in plant species selection than muskoxen, favouring willow (Salix arctica), grasses, forbs, and the flowers of vascular plants- Muskoxen feci extensively on sedges in the hydric-meadow. It is suggested the abundance and distribution of sedge-producing meadows may control the regional abundance and distribution of muskoxen. Winter climate is probably the ultimate factor controlling densities of muskoxen and caribou in the High Arctic.
Coverage:
Median Latitude: 77.885500 * Median Longitude: -97.812500 * South-bound Latitude: 74.833000 * West-bound Longitude: -115.000000 * North-bound Latitude: 79.717000 * East-bound Longitude: -87.500000
Date/Time Start: 1973-06-22T00:00:00 * Date/Time End: 1974-08-11T00:00:00
Event(s):
Bailey_Point * Latitude: 74.833000 * Longitude: -115.000000 * Location: Melville Island * Method/Device: Observation (OBSE)
Mokka_Fjord * Latitude: 79.717000 * Longitude: -87.500000 * Location: Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian Arctic * Method/Device: Observation (OBSE)
License:
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC-BY-3.0)
Size:
4 datasets

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Datasets listed in this publication series

  1. Parker, GR; Ross, RK (1976): Tab. 1: The composition of muskox herds observed at the two study areas. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761270
  2. Parker, GR; Ross, RK (1976): Tab. 3: The mean distances travelled by muskoxen and caribou herds per one hour of activity. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761271
  3. Parker, GR; Ross, RK (1976): Tab. 4: The measured above-ground annual production of vascular plants in the recognized vegetation types. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761273
  4. Parker, GR; Ross, RK (1976): Tab. 5+6: The percentage of muskox feeding observations per vegetation type. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.761274