Ecology Of Reindeer On Hagemeister Island, Alaska

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate and characterize the factors driving the Hagemeister Island reindeer population. A total of 144 reindeer were introduced to Hagemeister Island in 1965 and 1967. The herd initially increased in size to about 1,000 head and then fluctuated around 800 animals. In 1991-1992, a moderate winter die-off of primarily adult bulls ($>$90%) occurred. Adverse snow conditions and poor post rut conditions of bulls appeared to have facilitated the die-off. No conclusive evidence was found that the herd experienced effects of density-dependent food limitation despite poor winter lichen range. In 1993, conception was documented in calves and overall pregnancy rate was approximately 70%. Body size and condition was comparable to other arctic island reindeer herds. This suggests that reindeer on Hagemeister Island do not solely depend on lichen during winter but utilize other forages. <p>