Article Abstract:
The accurate prediction of pregnancy in wild animals is necessary if fecundity rates and age at first reproduction are to be understood. A new study uses the presence or absence of pregnancy-specific protein B (PCB) and progesterone concentration to investigate the link between fecundity and body condition and to determine conception rates of arctic caribou. The study shows that body condition is strongly related to pregnancy status during autumn and winter, with heavier caribou more likely to be pregnant. It is shown that progesterone concentration and PCB are useful tools for detecting early embryonic mortality.
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Article Abstract:
A new study investigates the effect on caribou in Alaska of increased overflying by US military jet aircraft. Animal Noise Monitors were used to measure noise levels during three seasons in 1991. Results show that caribou responses to aircraft noise were generally mild but there was evidence of modifications to daily movements and activity cycles. It is suggested that females with young are more susceptible to aircraft noise and that aircraft movements should be mitigated during calving and postcalving.
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Article Abstract:
Regression models for estimating the body mass and composition of female barren-ground caribou belonging to the Porcupine Caribou herd are developed. To assess their validity, 38 continuous variables are tested. These include the masses of the heart, gastrocnemius, liver, peroneus tertius, kidney fat, femur, femur marrow, tibia marrow and metatarsus marrow. Measures obtained from these organs include carcass, viscera mass, percent body fat and percent body protein.
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