Spatial dynamics of wolves and woodland caribou in an industrial forest landscape in west-central Alberta

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations are threatened in Canada. Wolves (Canis lupus) and anthropogenic industrial developments have been cited as proximate and ultimate causes for caribou decline, respectively. I used resource selection functions (RSFs) to assess selection patterns of wolves and caribou in relation to landscape features of the Little Smoky region in west-central Alberta; I also examined the potential for spatial and temporal overlap. In addition, I experimentally examined hypotheses related to predator-mobility and seismic line recovery via line-blocking. Both species exhibited seasonal variation in selection patterns, though in general caribou avoided, whereas wolves selected, human infrastructure. There was large potential for overlap between wolves and caribou, particularly during the spring. There was no evidence that line-blocking was an effective technique for reducing predator mobility. RSF models could be used in evaluating and implementing future conservation and management initiatives for the Little Smoky caribou region.