NDLI: Demographic responses of boreal caribou to cumulative disturbances highlight elasticity of range-specific tolerance thresholds

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Rudolph, Tyler D. Drapeau, Pierre Imbeau, Louis Brodeur, Vincent Légaré, Sonia St Laurent, Martin Hugues
Copyright Year	2017
Abstract	Conserving species-at-risk requires quantifiable knowledge of the key drivers of population change. Non-linear demographic responses to habitat loss have been documented for many species and may serve to establish quantitative habitat thresholds for management purposes. In Canada, boreal populations of woodland caribou are considered threatened; Environment Canada’s empirical model of calf recruitment–range disturbance suggests that at least 65% undisturbed habitat is required to ensure viability. We tested the relationship upon which this conservation guideline is based by pairing demographic estimates with range conditions over a 10-year period for three boreal caribou populations. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate evidence of intra-population demographic responses to fluctuations in range quality over time; (2) to evaluate inter-population differences in demographic responses to cumulative range disturbances; and (3) to evaluate the sensitivity of disturbance tolerance thresholds to variation in local population demography. We found strong evidence in support of the disturbance–recruitment relationship for within-population responses over time (R2 = 0.77). Mixed effects logistic regression modeling revealed variations in local population responses to cumulative habitat depletion. Range-specific disturbance thresholds derived from Monte Carlo simulations were highly elastic in response to observed variation in local population demography, suggesting that 65% undisturbed habitat is insufficient when adult female survival and/or sex ratio is suboptimal. Study populations were determined to be not self-sustaining (Pr(λ ≥ 0.99) = 37–47%). Adult survival was comparable to estimates reported elsewhere despite Aboriginal harvesting for subsistence purposes. Results underscored potential trade-offs between forest harvesting and wildlife habitat conservation. Protection and restoration of sufficient quantities of undisturbed habitat, particularly via road reclamation, is essential for caribou population recovery.
Starting Page	1179
Ending Page	1198
Page Count	20
File Format	PDF
ISSN	09603115
Journal	Biodiversity and Conservation
Volume Number	26
Issue Number	5
e-ISSN	15729710
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Netherlands
Publisher Date	2017-01-16
Publisher Place	Dordrecht
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Boreal caribou Canadian boreal forest Cumulative disturbances Demographic modeling Disturbance thresholds Long-term monitoring Biodiversity Ecology Conservation Biology/Ecology Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Ecology Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics Nature and Landscape Conservation

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