Memorial University DAI: Anti-predator behaviour of maternal caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in west-central Newfoundland

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Title	Anti-predator behaviour of maternal caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in west-central Newfoundland
Author	Soulliere, Colleen Evelyn, 1974-
Description	Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2008. Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology
Date	2008
Pagination	ix, 94 leaves : ill.
Subject	Caribou calves--Newfoundland and Labrador; Caribou--Newfoundland and Labrador; Parental behavior in animals--Newfoundland and Labrador
Degree	M.Sc.
Degree Grantor	Memorial University of Newfoundland. Faculty of Science
Discipline	Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology
Language	Eng
Spatial Coverage	Canada--Newfoundland and Labrador
Notes	Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-94)
Abstract	Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) calf survival largely depends on the physiological condition and behaviour of the mother, and her resulting ability to provide her calf with nourishment and protect her calf from harm. Calf mortality in Newfoundland's insular herds has increased dramatically in recent years, concurrent with a change in predator guild. Passive (vigilance) and active (response to disturbance) aspects of maternal anti-predator behaviour in the Gaff Topsail herd, west-central Newfoundland, were studied to gain an understanding of their implications for calf survival. -- The group-size effect on vigilance was only observed for adult female caribou engaged in foraging behaviour, indicating a foraging-vigilance trade-off exists (foraging increased and vigilance decreased when competition for local resources increased). Time-activity budgets did not differ between females with calves and those without; however, maternal caribou fed more intensely and were less frequently vigilant. When disturbed, maternal caribou were usually the first individuals to run and, particularly during the peri-calving season, separated from and ran further than other group members. -- Consistent with other evidence, this study supports the hypothesis that Newfoundland's insular caribou are currently facing nutrient stress. The reduction of vigilance in favour of foraging may additively contribute to predation vulnerability of calves. Aspects of maternal caribou response to disturbance indicate low levels of perceived safety but may increase calf vulnerability to stalking or coursing predators.
Type	Text
Format	Image/jpeg; Application/pdf
Source	Paper copy kept in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries
Local Identifier	a2544240
Rights	The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission.
Collection	Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Scanning Status	Completed
PDF File	(10.94 MB) -- http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/theses/Soulliere_ColleenE.pdf
CONTENTdm file name	102901.cpd