Caribou

Importance/Issues

Caribou are an integral component of terrestrial systems in ALAG, ANIA, KATM, and LACL. During cycles of high abundance, this species has the potential to influence structure and function of terrestrial systems both through its grazing effects on vegetational communities and through its role as a prey species. Caribou also are an important subsistence and cultural resource to local native Alaskans and provide significant recreational opportunities for resident hunters. Caribou are specifically mentioned as a species of interest in the enabling legislation of LACL. The Northern Alaska Peninsula Caribou Herd (NAPCH) and Mulchatna Caribou Herd (MCH) occur in KATM, NAPCH is present in ANIA, and MCH also occurs in LACL. KATM and LACL have resident animals as well. The MCH was estimated at 18,600 animals in 1981, increased to a peak of over 200,000 animals in 1996, and has declined to an estimated 85,000 animals in 2004. Changes in numbers and distribution of caribou are anticipated in response to climate-induced changes in their habitats. Caribou herds annually move over extensive areas, sometimes migrating hundreds of kilometers between wintering areas and calving-summering grounds. Movement patterns of caribou can be complicated and unpredictable, subherds periodically intermingle with the main herd, and the location of calving and wintering areas can change annually. National Park Service staff have worked in cooperation with ADF&G to conduct annual caribou surveys (1986-2004). Ongoing caribou monitoring will increase understanding of natural and human-related fluctuations of the herd and provide information that park managers need to respond to management of subsistence and sport hunting.

Current and Future Work Efforts

Monitoring for moose for SWAN park units is scheduled to occur in future years.