Biologists Busy in the Field Reports submitted by Dr. Stephen Arthur and Martin Kienzler Net gunner Courtesy Government of Yukon During the following week, ADFG biologists captured and weighed 25 10-month old calves from the Central Arctic herd as part of a study of the relationship between birth site and growth rate. In addition, 11 Porcupine caribou cows were captured and radiocollared. Ten of these were equipped with conventional radiocollars (which are tracked by airplane), while the remaining caribou was Isabella, a previously-collared cow who was recaptured so that her satellite collar could be replaced with a new transmitter. All of the captured caribou appeared fat and in good condition, which likely was a result of a relatively mild winter with little snow. Newly collared caribou named Catherine (03/02) Outside the area of overlap between these herds, biologists from the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources captured 12 Porcupine caribou cows for radiocollaring with conventional radiocollars and one additional cow, which was fitted with a satellite transmitter. Kieran O'Donovan, the 2001 Johhny Charlie Scholarship recipient and assistant wildlife technician who worked with Yukon biologist Dorothy Cooley was given the honor of naming the young cow. He chose the name Catherine. As was the case in Alaska, all caribou captured in the Yukon this March were in very good condition. Following the captures, biologists on both sides of the border conducted a survey to determine the composition of the herd. To do this, helicopters were used to locate groups of caribou and then count and classify them according to their age and sex. This survey is done every spring and provides an indication of over-winter survival of calves, which can help to explain changes in the population size. Despite the mild winter, this year's ratio of 31 calves per 100 adult cows was less than the average of 36:100 since 1991, and is further evidence of lower-than-average calf production last summer (due to last year's deep snow and late spring). Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form