Hydroelectric development and the disruption of migration in caribou

The authors investigated the effects of hydroelectric development on the movements and space-use of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in west-central Newfoundland, Canada. The authors compared patterns of range use, site fidelity, and timing of migration before, during, and after project construction. Coincidental with the first year of project construction, caribou were less likely to be found within 3 km of the site; this persisted at least 2 years after construction was completed. Relative timing of migration was individual-specific; the rank order of spring arrival on, and autumn departure from, the calving and summer grounds tended to be consistent year-to-year. This is the first report of such individual-specific consistency in migration for a non-avian species. This predictability disappeared during development: the year-to-year consistency of fall and spring migration among individuals was apparent before and after construction, but not during construction. Variation in calving site fidelity was correlated to year-to-year differences in snowfall. The authors conclude that the development caused a disruption of migrational timing during construction and longer-term diminished use of the range surrounding the project site. Long-term studies of individually marked animals can aid in environmental assessments for migratory animals.