EVALUATING GENOMIC DIVERSITY FOR CARIBOU IN ALBERTA TO ALLOW FOR EFFECTIVE BIODIVERSITY MONITORING, AUGMENTATION AND CONSERVATION

Marco Musiani, University of Calgary

16-ERPC-06

This new research relies on an original methodology that integrates molecular data with existing ecological data with the purpose of understanding spatial patterns of differentiation that could be maintained in caribou. The proposed methods will therefore serve as a model approach for other jurisdictions and could be used not only for caribou but also for terrestrial species in general, especially if these occur in priority areas for resource development. This project could therefore inform population monitoring of woodland caribou, adding an additional layer of consideration for conservation planning, towards enabling the long-term survival of the species and its Designateable Units (DU).

Policy Issue

Biodiversity: mountain caribou\ boreal caribou

Knowledge Gap

Boreal woodland caribou behavioral responses to oil and gas developments