fRI Research
June 2019
18-ERPC-03
Executive Summary
Boreal caribou are declining across their ranges, and low calf recruitment contributes to that decline. To ensure caribou persistence on the landscape, land managers require a comprehensive understanding of caribou calving habitat and where caribou calves may be exposed to high predation risk. Using GPS collar data from two boreal herds (Little Smoky and Chinchaga), we used a non-invasive approach to identify calving locations and to assess caribou calving habitat. We also used existing knowledge of predator habitat use (wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, and wolverines) to assess the link between calf survival and overlap with multiple predators.