Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.
Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Caribou in the Arctic
Caribou in the Arctic
Research conducted by the USGS Alaska Science Center on terrestrial mammals is focused on informing Department of Interior management decisions across Alaska. Our work provides timely and highly relevant scientific information for management issues such as the response of caribou to a warming climate and human development, future possible changes in distribution and abundance, and the effects of changing habitats used for forage.
Population dynamics
Population dynamics
Why do caribou populations fluctuate? Why do their migration patterns change year after year? How healthy is the herd? Working in collaboration with multiple partners in Alaska, the USGS is addressing these common questions for caribou populations in Alaska. Read more here: Improving calf survival of the Chisana Caribou Herd
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Response of caribou to industrial infrastructure
Response of caribou to industrial infrastructure
Are Arctic caribou habituated to energy development on the North Slope? Do caribou use habitats near and within the oilfields in northern Alaska? Read more here:
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Forage and weather
Forage and weather
Will caribou be impacted by changes in weather, insects and plant forages? Are their habitats changing?
Read more here: Resilience of caribou to climatic shifts in the Arctic
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Videos
Videos
Caribou Feeding on Tussock Cottongrass
Caribou Feeding on Tussock Cottongrass
Caribou Feeding on Tussock Cottongrass
Caribou in Yukon Coastal Habitat
Caribou in Yukon Coastal Habitat
Caribou in Yukon Coastal Habitat
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 28
Netleaf willow
Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.
Arctic sweet coltsfoot
The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Diamond-leaf willow
Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou.
Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou.
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, AlaskaThis is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, AlaskaThis is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.
Caribou walking along coastal habitat
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass FlowerheadsThis is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021.
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass FlowerheadsThis is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife BiologistUSGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife BiologistUSGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal AreaThis is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022.
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal AreaThis is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022.
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern AlaskaCaribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern AlaskaCaribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou and calves in the Kuparuk oil field
Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Traffic counter on oil field road
Traffic counter placed along an oil field road in northern Alaska to assess the responses of caribou to vehicle traffic.
Traffic counter placed along an oil field road in northern Alaska to assess the responses of caribou to vehicle traffic.
Mother and young caribou on Yukon-Alaska border
A mother caribou and her offspring, east of Chicken, Alaska (on the Yukon-Alaska border).
A mother caribou and her offspring, east of Chicken, Alaska (on the Yukon-Alaska border).
Caribou
Low-lying, salt-tolerant goose grazing lawn in foreground, giving way to higher elevation, salt-intolerant tundra in background. Geese require vegetation that is higher in quality and lower in biomass than caribou.
Low-lying, salt-tolerant goose grazing lawn in foreground, giving way to higher elevation, salt-intolerant tundra in background. Geese require vegetation that is higher in quality and lower in biomass than caribou.
A single caribou in the winter in Northern Alaska
Caribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern Alaska
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern AlaskaCaribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern Alaska
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern AlaskaCaribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou grazing near Dalton Highway, Alaska
Caribou grazing along the Dalton Highway, Alaska. More information can be found on the fact sheet:
Caribou grazing along the Dalton Highway, Alaska. More information can be found on the fact sheet:
Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
Caribou in the Arctic
Caribou in the Arctic
Research conducted by the USGS Alaska Science Center on terrestrial mammals is focused on informing Department of Interior management decisions across Alaska. Our work provides timely and highly relevant scientific information for management issues such as the response of caribou to a warming climate and human development, future possible changes in distribution and abundance, and the effects of changing habitats used for forage.
Population dynamics
Population dynamics
Why do caribou populations fluctuate? Why do their migration patterns change year after year? How healthy is the herd? Working in collaboration with multiple partners in Alaska, the USGS is addressing these common questions for caribou populations in Alaska. Read more here: Improving calf survival of the Chisana Caribou Herd
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Response of caribou to industrial infrastructure
Response of caribou to industrial infrastructure
Are Arctic caribou habituated to energy development on the North Slope? Do caribou use habitats near and within the oilfields in northern Alaska? Read more here:
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Forage and weather
Forage and weather
Will caribou be impacted by changes in weather, insects and plant forages? Are their habitats changing?
Read more here: Resilience of caribou to climatic shifts in the Arctic
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Videos
Videos
Caribou Feeding on Tussock Cottongrass
Caribou Feeding on Tussock Cottongrass
Caribou Feeding on Tussock Cottongrass
Caribou in Yukon Coastal Habitat
Caribou in Yukon Coastal Habitat
Caribou in Yukon Coastal Habitat
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 28
Netleaf willow
Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.
Summer photo of Salix reticulata in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou. The bright red bulbs on the right leaf are not berries, but galls, likely caused by bacteria, fungi, or insects.
Arctic sweet coltsfoot
The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The dominant plant in the photo is Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasides frigidus), a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou during the summer in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Diamond-leaf willow
Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou.
Summer photo of diamond-leaf willow (Salix pulchra) in the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a forage species commonly consumed by barren-ground caribou.
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, AlaskaThis is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, Alaska
Influence of Road Traffic Volume on Central Arctic Caribou Herd, AlaskaThis is a graphical abstract for the publication by Severson et al. (2023) that investigated the influence of vehicle traffic in Northern Alaska oil fields on summer space use and road crossings of female caribou in the Central Arctic Herd.
Caribou walking along coastal habitat
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view as she tries to avoid insect harassment by seeking non-vegetated, coastal habitat within the Yukon coastal plain. This video was collected in collaboration with the Yukon Government as part of a study on the influence of summer habit
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass FlowerheadsThis is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021.
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass Flowerheads
Barren-Ground Caribou Eating Tussock Cottongrass FlowerheadsThis is B-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar feeding on tussock cottongrass in USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, June 13, 2021.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife BiologistUSGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife Biologist
Climate Science Champions, Season 1: Heather Johnson, Research Wildlife BiologistUSGS Wildlife Research Biologist Heather Johnson uses collar-mounted video cameras to peer into the lives of climate-threatened caribou.
Caribou eating tussock cottongrass heads
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Adult female caribou in the Porcupine herd equipped with a GPS-enabled video camera collar that shows the caribou’s point-of-view while consuming Eriophorum vaginatum (tussock cottongrass) heads within the coastal plain of the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal AreaThis is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022.
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal Area
Barren-Ground Caribou Experiencing Insect Harassment in a Coastal AreaThis is b-roll video collected from an adult female caribou wearing a camera collar in Yukon coastal habitat, July 7, 2022.
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, AlaskaCentral Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period.
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern AlaskaCaribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern AlaskaCaribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Caribou and calves crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil fieldCaribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou and calves in the Kuparuk oil field
Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.
Traffic counter on oil field road
Traffic counter placed along an oil field road in northern Alaska to assess the responses of caribou to vehicle traffic.
Traffic counter placed along an oil field road in northern Alaska to assess the responses of caribou to vehicle traffic.
Mother and young caribou on Yukon-Alaska border
A mother caribou and her offspring, east of Chicken, Alaska (on the Yukon-Alaska border).
A mother caribou and her offspring, east of Chicken, Alaska (on the Yukon-Alaska border).
Caribou
Low-lying, salt-tolerant goose grazing lawn in foreground, giving way to higher elevation, salt-intolerant tundra in background. Geese require vegetation that is higher in quality and lower in biomass than caribou.
Low-lying, salt-tolerant goose grazing lawn in foreground, giving way to higher elevation, salt-intolerant tundra in background. Geese require vegetation that is higher in quality and lower in biomass than caribou.
A single caribou in the winter in Northern Alaska
Caribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern Alaska
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern AlaskaCaribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern Alaska
Caribou walking in a line in the winter in Northern AlaskaCaribou from the Central Arctic herd along the Sagavanirktok River in northern Alaska.
Sagavanirktok River, AK.
Caribou grazing near Dalton Highway, Alaska
Caribou grazing along the Dalton Highway, Alaska. More information can be found on the fact sheet:
Caribou grazing along the Dalton Highway, Alaska. More information can be found on the fact sheet: