Evaluating the influence of anthropogenic landscape change on wolf distribution: implications for woodland caribou

Abstract

Abstract Across much of the range of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), predator–prey dynamics have changed as a result of large‐scale industrial development. Land clearing and associated early‐successional forests have resulted in a greater density and distribution of moose (Alces alces), deer (Odocoileus spp.), and their associated predators. This process of apparent competition has resulted in increased predation on woodland caribou. We employed a combination of field and statistical methods to better understand the distribution and interactions of wolves (Canis lupus) and caribou across a region with high levels of industrial development. We used count models to investigate the frequency of wolf occurrence relative to landcover types, disturbance features, and caribou habitat. As predicted, the co‐occurrence between caribou and wolves was rare. Similarly, the remains of caribou were identified at a small proportion of the sites where wolves killed large prey. Caribou occurred at low densities across the study area, and thus, wolves likely pursued other more abundant deer species. Encounters between wolves and caribou habitat was most likely to occur in the low‐elevation boreal forest and areas closer to and with higher densities of forestry cutblocks. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the spatial dynamics of multi‐species interactions when developing recovery strategies for threatened and endangered species.

Keywords

• apparent competition
• Canis lupus
• cumulative impacts
• habitat
• industrial development
• Rangifer tarandus