Modeling temporal and spatial variation in pronghorn antelope population dynamics in southern Alberta in relation to environmental gradients

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dc.contributor.advisorGates, Cormack
dc.contributor.authorSheriff, Katherine A.
dc.date.accessioned2017-12-18T21:30:22Z
dc.date.available2017-12-18T21:30:22Z
dc.date.issued2006
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 175-188en
dc.descriptionSome pages are in colour.en
dc.description.abstractThe Grasslands Natural Region of Alberta is considered the most threatened ecosystem in the province. It provides habitat for numerous species of native plants and animals, including 75% of Alberta's 'species at risk'. Among the diversity of prairie wildlife, the pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) is the most representative remaining large mammal. Pronghorn antelope are a highly valued resource in Alberta, experiencing high demand as big game species. However, in Alberta they are at the northern limit of their range and are susceptible to dramatic fluctuations in the population due to climatic extremes. The purpose of my research was to examine the key environmental drivers of pronghorn population dynamics in Alberta. I examined the influences of temporal and spatial variation in landscape composition, forage productivity, climate, coyote predation, and pronghorn density on pronghorn densitydistribution and population dynamics. Forage production, driven by moisture availability, and subsequent doe condition were key drivers of fawn production, while winter severity had a significant impact on population growth. The presence of native prairie had a profound positive influence on the spatial distribution of pronghorn, and influenced density-dependent effects on doe population growth and fawn production. I developed a generic system dynamics population model representing the key environmental and management factors that influence pronghorn population dynamics in Antelope Management Areas across Alberta. It was based on known empirical relationships supplemented with inferences and assumptions from published literature on pronghorn ecology. Recommendations for researching areas of key unknowns and reevaluating current management strategies are provided.
dc.format.extentxiv, 196 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationSheriff, K. A. (2006). Modeling temporal and spatial variation in pronghorn antelope population dynamics in southern Alberta in relation to environmental gradients (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/1554en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/1554
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/102555
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.facultyEnvironmental Design
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.titleModeling temporal and spatial variation in pronghorn antelope population dynamics in southern Alberta in relation to environmental gradients
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineEnvironmental Science
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Environmental Design (MEDes)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.accessionTheses Collection 58.002:Box 1681 520492198
ucalgary.thesis.notesUARCen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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