Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2000Habitat selection by calving caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) of the Central Arctic Herd, Alaska, was assessed in relation to distance from roads, vegetation type, relative plant biomass (NDVI; Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), accumulation of plant biomass during early lactation (NDVIrate), snow cover, and terrain ruggedness. From 183 calving sites of 96 radio collared- females, 1980-95, calving distribution was estimated in reference (no development) and treatment (oilfields present) zones east and west of the Sagavanirktok River, respectively. In the reference zone, caribou regularly selected wet-graminoid vegetation, above-median NDVIrate, and non-rugged terrain; concentrated calving remained in habitats with zonal average NDVI on 21 June (NDVI621). In the treatment zone, selection patterns were inconsistent; concentrated calving shifted inland to rugged terrainwith low NDVI621 and away from development. Repeated use of lower-quality habitats in the treatment zone could compromise nutrient intake by calving females, thereby depressing reproductive success of the western-segment of the herd
