Birds and Mammals of the Pitmegea River Region, Cape Sabine, Northwestern Alaska

Abstract

The results of four summers study from 1957 to 1960 on the interrelationships and distribution of the vertebrate fauna along the Pitmegea River at Cape Sabine in northwestern Alaska are presented. The geologic background, climate, soils, vegetational types and land utilization are discussed. Five major plant communities are described and used to analyze the distribution of birds and mammals. These communities are Barrens, Upland Meadows, Wet Meadows, Marshes and Shrub Types. Ninety species of birds were recorded of which 55 species nested within the Pitmegea drainage. Twenty-three species of mammals were reported. Evidence of reproductive activity, local abundance and distribution and ecological interrelationships are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on microtine rodents and their predators. Evidence for a population irruption in the Tundra Vole (Microtus oeconomus) in 1959 is reported.