Survey of vegetated areas and muskox populations in east-central Ellesmere Island
-
-
Authors: G. H. R. Henry, B. Freedman, and J. Svoboda
Date: 1986
Journal: Arctic
Volume: 39
Number: 1
Pages: 78-81
Summary of Methods: The results of 1981-1984 summer helicopter surveys and ground reconnaissance of east-central Ellesmere Island showed that muskox (Ovibos moschatus) migrate freely through the 70 km long corridor between the Fosheim Peninsula and some lowlands on the east coast , but large areas of suitable habitat were found unused on the central east coast. Muskox densities in Sverdrup Pass were comparable with those at other arctic sites, as were their reproductive rates. Vegetated areas constituted only 5% of the total surveyed land area and were largely restricted to coastal lowlands and the Sverdrup Pass valley. The Sverdrup Pass area was one of the only areas with signs of trampled and well-grazed meadows. The lack of muskox on the Alexandra Fiord lowland seems to be related to its small size and degree of isolation. The absence of muskox on the Princess Marie Bay lowland cannot be explained by isolation. It is likely that the absence is due to the lack of population pressure that would force migration to potential grazing areas peripheral to the main range at Fosheim Peninsula.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: ellesmere island, sverdrup pass, high arctic vegetation, polar oases, muskox, ovibos moschatus, muskox habitat
Annotation: Grazing intensity is not specified.
-
Direct link not available.
-