Study of the Alaska Tundra with Reference to its Reactions to Reindeer and other Grazing Page: 48
ii, 48 p. : ill., fold. maps ; 24 cm.View a full description of this report.
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48 RESEARCH REPORT 10, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
quires from 20 to 40 years for restoration to the original density
and height growth. Moderate grazing by open herding and rota-
tional use, however, will permit sustained utilization of undam-
aged tundra range.
MANAGEMENT OF REINDEER ON NUNIVAK ISLAND
In 1938, the reindeer on Nunivak Island were estimated to
number 12,000. During the next 6 years they increased in num-
bers until, in 1944, the Office of Indian Affairs estimated that
there were 30,000 reindeer on the island. Overuse of the winter
lichen range has caused about a 15-percent depletion beyond
normal carrying capacity.
Musk oxen, numbering 115 in 1943, are confined principally to
the sand-dune type and the dry tundra range at the western end
of the island. It is estimated that the suitable range totals
approximately 300 square miles.
On the basis of forage acres, the range capacity on Nunivak
Island should carry 2,100 musk oxen and 8,000 reindeer. On
the basis of this study and subsequent observations, it is recom-
mended that reindeer be removed from the island until a popu-
lation of 8,000 has been established. This is sufficient for a
native population of 195, and would permit an annual export of
1,300 carcasses.
* U. S. Government Printing Office: 1945-649869
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Palmer, Lawrence J. & Rouse, Charles H. Study of the Alaska Tundra with Reference to its Reactions to Reindeer and other Grazing, report, 1945; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc100536/m1/55/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.