Newfoundland Predator Project CSI Newfoundland: molecular
determination of caribou calf predators Student: Matt Mumma
Visit Matt's research page The Newfoundland woodland caribou
(Rangifer tarandus) population has decreased by greater than 66%
since 1996. Habitat loss and overgrazing are likely implicated,
but current recruitment is low due to high calf predation by
black bears (Ursus americanus) and invasive coyotes (Canis
latrans). Previously, kill site observations and necropsy
results, when available, were used to assign the predator
species to calf predation mortalities, but 26% of kills were
unable to be assigned to a predator species. We used molecular
techniques to identify the predator species at caribou calf kill
sites in Newfoundland, Canada. In 2010, radio-telemetry collars
were placed on 1 to 3 day-old caribou calves and calves were
monitored from June through October. When a mortality signal was
detected, the collar location was investigated to determine if
predation had occurred. Calf mortality