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Type: Conference Proceedings
Author(s): Robert E. Pegau
Editor(s): Jack R. Luick; Peter C. Lent; David R. Klein; Robert G. White
Publication Date: 1975

Trend of the Nelchina caribou range was determined from vegetation examinations of 36 ten and fifteen year old exclosures. Condition of climax lichen stands, primarily Cladonia alpestris, began to degenerate with two to three years of use and has declined substantially in the last 10 years. Within 15 year old exclosures lichens are just starting to recover and most are about one inch or less in length. Even with a marked reduction in winter use by caribou for 15 years, lichen condition has continued to deteriorate. Trampling by caribou and moose has been an important factor in suppressing lichen growth and contributing to their poor condition. Apparently lichens on the Nelchina range require long periods of total protection, possibly 25 years or more, to reach climax condition, yet it only takes five to eight years of use to destroy climax lichen stands. The lichen flora of the Nelchina range cannot withstand the present numbers of caribou and moose.

Citation: Pegau, Robert E. 1975. Analysis of the Nelchina caribou range. Proceedings of the First International Reindeer and Caribou Symposium. Univeristy of Alaska Fairbanks Biological Papers. Special Report No. 1. 1975. pp. 316-323.

Cataloging Information

Topics:
Regions:
Keywords:
  • caribou
  • exclosures
  • lichen
  • Nelchina
  • trampling
Record Last Modified:
Record Maintained By: FRAMES Staff (https://www.frames.gov/contact)
FRAMES Record Number: 2862