Various research techniques
are being integrated to answer the objectives of this
multidisciplinary project. The impact of predation on the
Dall sheep population will be assessed from ground
observations, transects, kill sites investigation, and
monitoring of individuals equipped with GPS collars. Prey
selection of grizzly bears and wolves will be determined
based on fatty acid signatures and stable isotopes analyses
from body samples collected during capture and from
harvesters, in partnership with the NWT government. Spatial
interactions and resource selection will be studied by
equipping individuals from the three species with GPS
collars that collect location data at regular intervals. A
characterization of the snow layer, the climate
(temperature, humidity and winds) and vegetation will be
done to assist in resource selection analysis. Dall sheep
behaviour will be observed from the ground during two field
sessions, in June 2007 and 2008. Finally, aboriginal
traditional knowledge will be documented from Gwich’in
elders and active land users. This project started in 2006
and its completion is expected in 2009.
