Body condition may be the most important correlate of survival and reproduction for ungulates in general. We propose to develop and evaluate a ‘hands-off’ approach to assess body condition of 2 ecotypes of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in 4 herds that occur in Alaska’s National Parks and Preserves. This technique employs stable isotopes in nitrogen metabolites from snow urine and feces collected in late winter to estimate the body condition relative to protein stores of individuals. We will examine the effects of demographic and environmental parameters on the protein status of caribou in late winter. This research will provide a non-invasive technique that will allow for evaluation of trends in nutritional status of northern ungulates and resilience of these populations to climate change. MORE
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/brdscience/pobs1.aspx?topic=Molecular Biology
Page Contact Information: Paul_Geissler@usgs.gov
