Caribou Caribou
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Caribou Migration Update: March 26, 2003

Today's Report Includes:

Caribou Migration Map: Look Again

Caribou Migration Map
Click on Map to Enlarge

This week look for a special surprise when you view the migration map. Click to the large map and see what we mean. (No peeking below without first checking out the map and key!)

Did you see 4 new names and 4 new colored dots? This week we welcome Carmen, Helen, Darcie and Parks. Each of their dots represents their capture location. Read on (below) to find out more about each of these new satellite-collared caribou.

As spring's longer days and warmer temperatures arrive - even in the Arctic - the caribou herd has the ancient urge to travel towards their calving grounds in the north. Study the map to see which caribou are moving in a clear northerly direction, and which of the gals are happy to stay and feed where they are.

New Names for 2 New Caribou!
Now for the moment you all have been waiting for...(hear the drum roll?)
Many, many clever, descriptive caribou names filtered into Journey North for the "Name the Caribou" project. Each was DEFINITELY worthy to be chosen. The decision was difficult. A team of judges including scientists, writers, researchers and technicians carefully considered each name. They asked, "Is this descriptive and clever? Does it represent the caribou and its environment, history and culture?" They toiled and sweated over each entry. The decision was difficult...

But now we are pleased to present 2 NEW satellite-collared caribou gals, "Helen" and "Carmen!"

caribou_CapJN1 caribou_Cap JN2A
Meet Carmen
Meet Helen

The names Helen and Carmen represent characters from history and culture that seemed perfect for satellite-collared research animals. I think you will agree when you read the entries- both submitted by Alexander from Fernandina Beach, FL:

"I think one of the new caribou cows should be named Helen. Like Helen of Troy, little caribou cow Helen will launch a thousand research projects!"
AND
"I think one of the new caribou cows should be named Carmen. Like Carmen Sandiego, she is hard to find, but thanks to the clues from the satellite, technology can find where she is."
Alexander, Calvert Homeschool, Fernandina Beach, FL.

Caribou Tracking Tips
Jim Minerich teaches 4th Grade at Pequot Lakes School in Pequot Lakes, MN. He and his class have a good strategy for tracking the satellite-collared caribou during the spring migration. They use a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning System) to assist them in determining the distance and direction each caribou moves between data updates.
They use a worksheet to keep track of all the steps used for finding the distance and direction. For ideas for organizing your data share this valuable resource from Mr. Minerich and his class:
Helicopters and Collars: March Field Work
Just one look at the dynamic photographs sent from the field and we feel a part of the March fieldwork in the Yukon.
caribou_CapPhoto
caribou_CapCuteCalf
A helicopter and net gun was deployed to aid in capture
A cute short yearling
caribou_CapLupine03 caribou_CapParks2
Lupine recaptured and fitted
Lots of caribou do this after released. Wonder what they
are thinking?

Between March 7 and 13, Yukon Territory Government staff Dorothy Cooley, Torrie Hunter and Martin Kienzler captured 21 caribou for deployment of conventional collars. Each of the animals must be captured using a large net that is fired from a gun out the open door of a helicopter. In addition to the satellite-collared caribou we track each Update, scientists use radio collars on other members of the Porcupine caribou herd to gather important information. In addition to mature females (over 1 year old), researchers use radio collars(conventional or VHF) to track 9-month-old females (short yearlings), and bulls.

caribou_CollaredLocs0303
Locations for the radio-collared caribou

Ten conventional collars were placed on bulls, nine were fitted on9-month-old females (short yearlings) and 2 were placed on adult females. Yearling females were collared to start gathering information on the survival of calves between March and June/July of their first year. The conventional collars on young females and the bulls will help researchers find these groups in the foothills and mountains during the next census scheduled for July 2003.

Link to more detailed information about the spring fieldwork at:

Satellite Collars Deployed
caribou_Cap Donner
A very old friend. Donner is one of the 4 original collared cows
caribou_Darcie
Big antlers on this cow (Darcie). A beauty. She got Cupid's collar
In the group of satellite-collared Porcupine caribou, Donner now holds the record for wearing a collar for the longest time (she was first collared in October, 1997). She and Lupine had their old collars switched out for new last week.
The collar that was reserved for Cupid (whose neck showed some abrasions and was let go without a new collar) was placed on a healthy, new cow that will be named by Darcie Matthiessan (we're calling her "Darcie" for now), last summer's Johnny Charlie Scholarship recipient.
As promised, 2 new cows were also captured and collared and have been named by Journey North students, and a third captured will be named by Parks Canada Inuvik (we're calling her "Parks" for now).







Cupid Freed of Collar after 6 Years
The re-collaring team let Cupid go after following her for 6 years. Her collar passed on to the next generation. Her capture found her in good health except for some abrasions on her neck from the previous collar. She was still being followed by her calf from last year. However, considering the abrasions and because Cupid is getting to be an older caribou, we treated Cupids neck with antibiotic and released her uncollared. from the collar. The team reported but happy that we were able to remove the old collar so that she can live out her days without it.
Do some research about life span of average caribou cow.

and then challenge yourself to this:

Challenge Question #10:
"Cupid has worn a collar for about 6 years. What percent of her expected life span has she worn the collar?"

(To respond to this question, please follow the instructions below.)

Measuring for Success
Body measurement guide
When the collaring team goes into the field they do more than just fit collars. Important data is recorded for each animal. Researchers note whether or not they are still accompanied by a calf and how old they are. They collect measurements on the body size and condition of the animal. They collect blood samples for contaminants analysis and DNA testing. And with the cows, they check for signs of pregnancy.

Full Backpacks for Arctic Trekers
Karsten and Leanne
Time is drawing closer for the human/caribou migration project that has now been named "Being Caribou." Karsten and Leanne have flown to their jumping-off point in Inuvik, NWT. From there final plans are being set for March 31, when they begin their 7-month migration in caribou territory.
Learn more about these courageous adventurers:

Each month there will be a flight to drop food and supplies to the trekkers so we will be posting updates and pictures monthly as both groups together migrate north to the calving grounds.
Journey North will be in touch with the team so be sure to watch for more news in upcoming Updates.

Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison packed very carefully for their 7-month migration with the caribou. A long way away from the nearest store, their decisions about what to pack were serious considerations. Read what they decided to pack inside their backpacks.

When it's Springtime in the Yukon: Old Crow Weather
There are some great advantages to having Internet weather reports available. It is easier to imagine what Isabella and her fellow caribou group is experiencing when we can pull up weather information for Old Crow, Yukon, on the Web.
Monday's forcast was High -15 C (5 F), low -24 C (-11 F). Old Crow in March is still more like winter than spring.

You can pull up daily weather information at Environment Canada's Old Crow page.

Zero in Any Language
In order to measure temperature we use a scale. The scale we use for temperature is "degrees." There are three temperature scales that are used today. The Celsius scale (C) is used in most of the world to measure air temperatures. In the United States, the Fahrenheit scale (F) is used to measure air temperatures. The Kelvin(K) scale is used by scientists. When it is zero degrees F, it's -18 C and 255.37 K. For some this seems cold, but how cold can it really get? Scientists have determined that the coldest it can get is absolute zero, or -459.67 K.

Challenge Question # 11:
"It was a beautiful day yesterday with sunny skies and a balmy temperature of 297 K! What was the temperature in degrees C and F?"

And for an extra challenge, here's a riddle for you to solve:

Challenge Question #12:
"If it's zero degrees F today and it is forecast to be twice as cold tomorrow, what will the temperature be tomorrow? (hint: think Kelvin, C, and F)"

(To respond to these questions, please follow the instructions below.)

For help, try using this handy temperature conversion Web site from the University of Berlin:

Would Your Stomach Grumble? Discussion of Challenge Question #8
Planning enough food for a 7-month migration with the Porcupine caribou is hard to imagine. Prepared in advance and divided into "cache groups" for flight drop-offs each month, this food represents their sustenance for the long human migration. Karsten and Leanne have it all planned out.
Last time we asked this question:
"Karsten and Leanne made and dehydrated 6 different dinner menus. Since they are planning to be out on the migration trail for 210 days, how many times will they eat the same dinner? Would you like to eat these menu items for 7 months?"

Many people did their math correctly finding that dinner would be same menu 35 times. Next we asked, "Would YOU like this?" And although some felt it would be boring to eat the same thing that many times Joel, Danny and Brian from Iselin Middle School wrote that each of the menu items sounded good and they would eat them.

Oil Drilling in the US Arctic Region: The Vote and Opinions
caribou_HedTundralake
Tundra lakes from the air
credit US Fish and Wildlife Service
Oil installation, North Slope
Credit Pam Miller
More Alaskan jobs, or preserve a national treasure? Opinions were strongly expressed during and after a very close vote in the U.S. Senate last week that kept the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge safe from oil drilling.

For a summary of events and opinions surrounding the vote link to:

And the reaction to the vote from each opposing side:

If you could be a senator for a day and vote on this issue, where would you stand? How did you answer Challenge Question # 9? Here's one group's opinion:

"In our opinion, we do not support drilling in Alaska. The possibility of interfering with the caribou migration routes and even killing the caribou far out weighs the possibility of finding oil in this area. If we need oil we'll find another way." Students, Hitika, Mamta, and Joel, 7th Graders from Iselin Middle School

Quote for the Day
"In mythic time, the Gwich'in and the caribou lived in peaceful intimacy. It is said that every caribou has a bit of the human heart in him, and every human has a bit of caribou heart."

-The Gwich'in Steering Committee

Fact for the Day
Number of Roads in Porcupine Caribou's Range: One (Dempster Highway in NWT and Yukon of Canada).

How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:

IMPORTANT: Answer only ONE question in each e-mail message.

1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-caribou@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question #10 (or #11 or #12).
3. In the body of EACH message, give your answer to ONE of the questions above.

The Next Caribou Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 9, 2001.

Copyright 2003 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
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