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Nicole McCutchen

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Nicole McCutchen
B.Sc(H). University of Alberta
M.Sc. Simon Fraser University -- Predator-prey interactions between stonefly nymphs, harlequin ducks, and brook char in the Maligne Valley Watershed
Ph.D. University of Alberta -- current

PhD Research:

Background

In northeastern Alberta, gray wolves (Canis lupus) feed primarily on moose (Alces alces). Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are much less prevalent in the wolf diet, a difference that likely reflects prey-specific behavior and habitat use. Moose are found in well-drained river valleys and uplands, where they reduce their risk of predation by using fighting or fleeing strategies. Caribou inhabit surrounding peatland complexes, which are harder for wolves to access. Within these peatlands, they use spacing out strategies to further reduce their encounter rates with wolves. Thus relative to moose, caribou are much harder to find, which limits their value as prey.

The influence of linear features on prey use by wolves

However, linear features are altering the behavior of wolves and their prey. These features are a product of industrial exploration and development and are represented by seismic lines, pipelines, powerlines, and roads. For wolves, lines offer quick and easy travel routes through the boreal forest, likely resulting in higher encounter rates with prey and consequently, greater kill success. For prey, lines may be areas of high risk that should always be avoided despite trade-offs that may include lost foraging opportunities, greater movement costs, and reductions in functional habitat.

Of particular concern is whether lines facilitate increased wolf use of caribou, which are threatened provincially and nationally. Lines, by offering easy access into peatlands, may reduce the search costs traditionally associated with caribou and ultimately result in wolves incorporating more caribou into their diets. However, use of lines may be prevented if they are cut in a manner that reduces their value as search tools. Such changes in seismic line structure have recently been implemented (e.g., they are now narrower and cut so that they should quickly regenerate) but it is not known how or if wolves use these lines and how such use compares to conventional lines and natural lines (e.g., frozen rivers and streams).

The main objectives of this study are to (1) use dynamic state programming models to predict how linear features influence prey use by wolves, (2) compare model results to detailed accounts of wolf movement and prey use obtained from GPS collars, and (3) use snow tracking to compare how wolves and their prey use conventional, altered, and natural lines. My study area is centered along the Athabasca river between Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray and includes the peatlands and uplands in the ESAR and WSAR caribou ranges. This study is integral to caribou conservation in Alberta as it will not only determine if lines actually do increase wolf use of caribou, but if such use can be prevented by altering line structure. Consequently, this research will also provide useful information for industries planning to develop in caribou ranges.