Background

Migration Corridors

Migration corridors are protected channels of natural territory in which habitats are connected. These corridors allow individuals of the same species to move between habitats to prevent local extinction or isolation between populations and ensure genetic variety within a species, thus helping to ensure the survival of the species. In regions where grizzly bear populations have already faced habitat loss and fragmentation as a result of human development, migration corridors linking suitable habitat areas are often used in efforts to conserve affected populations (Gulci & Ackay, 2015).

Modeling Corridors

Migration corridors can be created through models or observations. Least-Cost Path (LCP) and Multiple Criteria Evaluation (MCE) are the primary models to create corridors. LCP models create a resistance surface depicting the amount of cost (time, energy, or effort) required to move through the environment. MCE identifies areas that are most suitable for use. Relevant variables are used in both models and are based on what is known about the animal.

While useful for modeling predicted species movement, both LCP and MCE cannot fully account for the variability in species movement or the actual behaviour of a species (Gurrutxaga et al., 2010). Often, the movement of animals within habitats does not follow the strict guidelines of an LCP analysis or MCE. In order to overcome such limitations, information from GPS-tracking data can be used to link animal behaviour and movement, providing a more holisitc view of factors influencing animal movement.

Study Area

The North Slope spans from Alaska to the Northwest Territories, and includes the northern Yukon and parts of the Beaufort Sea. The Yukon North Slope includes the British, Barn and northern Richardson Mountain ranges, as well as a gently sloping coastal plain, with vegetation patterns reflecting the varying elevations (WMACNS, 2016). Ivvavik National Park covers much of the western half of what is primarily an Inuvialuit Settlement region. There are currently no significant roads or permanent residential establishments, though the Inuvialuit people maintain seasonal hunting camps and some drilling sites are present. While this study is primarily interested in bear activity through the Yukon North Slope, bear movements were also observed across provincial and national borders.