Caribou make ideal candidates to use as an umbrella species.
The concept of an "umbrella species" in conservation refers to using a single species to represent the health of all other co-occurring species and ecosystems. Therefore, protection of an umbrella species would also incur protection of many other co-occurring species. Caribou have many characteristics that make them well-suited to act as umbrella species within the MRB, including large annual home ranges, sensitivity to human disturbance, and dependence upon the old-growth boreal forest habitat that make up over 75% of the entire MRB.
To test this concept within our study area, we projected high value habitat for caribou and twelve other species within Alberta. The map below shows where these different species shared habitat, with warmer colors signifying more species overlapping. Current caribou ranges cover most of the highest overlap areas, supporting our using them as an umbrella species.
To test this concept within our study area, we projected high value habitat for caribou and twelve other species within Alberta. The map below shows where these different species shared habitat, with warmer colors signifying more species overlapping. Current caribou ranges cover most of the highest overlap areas, supporting our using them as an umbrella species.
Caribou populations have declined dramatically throughout Canada.
Caribou herds in the MRB have been some of the most dramatically affected. Evidence suggests that caribou are suffering from large scale habitat destruction and land alteration that results from extensive natural resource extraction projects within the basin. Because caribou mirror the health of their ecosystems, researchers worry that the MRB may be losing some of the viability and resilience of its ecosystems.
Caribou herds in the MRB have been some of the most dramatically affected. Evidence suggests that caribou are suffering from large scale habitat destruction and land alteration that results from extensive natural resource extraction projects within the basin. Because caribou mirror the health of their ecosystems, researchers worry that the MRB may be losing some of the viability and resilience of its ecosystems.
Caribou are an iconic species of the Canadian North.
In fact, the likeness of caribou is on the back of the Canadian quarter! The species also represents a valuable cultural icon to the people of Canada, particularly to First Nation communities who rely on caribou for sustenance. The charismatic and cultural status of caribou can be used to acquire public and financial support for our project.
In fact, the likeness of caribou is on the back of the Canadian quarter! The species also represents a valuable cultural icon to the people of Canada, particularly to First Nation communities who rely on caribou for sustenance. The charismatic and cultural status of caribou can be used to acquire public and financial support for our project.