Reindeer population size and trend on Edgeøya Svalbard |
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Authors: | NILS ARE ØRITSLAND |
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Institution: | Norsk Polarinstitutt, P.O. Box 5072 Majorstua, N-0301 Oslo, Noway |
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Abstract: | Two censuses made of the population of Svalbard reindeer on Edgeøya in 1983 and 1996 resulted in 1586 and 2434 individuals respectively. Together with data from earlier population surveys (1969-77), this indicates, numerically, a population growth during the period 1969-96. Because of the weaknesses in the different census methods used, we cannot conclude that in reality a population growth has taken place even though the numerical data is correct. Therefore an average population size of 1730 (± 451 SD) individuals for the period 1969-96 is suggested. Earlier estimates of vegetated area indicate that the present data corresponds to reindeer densities averaging 1.05 and ranging from 0.79 to 1.47 individuals/km2. |
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