Research

Dall's Sheep Survey

Rationale

Dall’s sheep in Ivvavik National Park.

Dall's sheep are an important part of the ecosystem in the northern Yukon, including Ivvavik National Park. Previous surveys of Dall's sheep were conducted in 1984 and 1986. These surveys determined the size of the sheep population and their summer range. New information about Dall's sheep is required to determine their current population size, to develop an understanding of their movements and winter range, and to determine the type and number of parasites in the population.

Objectives

• To determine the size, age and sex composition, distribution and density of the Dall's sheep population in Ivvavik National Park.
• To identify winter range for Dall's sheep in Ivvavik National Park.
• To determine the type and number of parasites in Dall's sheep.

Methods and Information Collected

• Jean Carey and Kevin Mitchener looking over maps before the sheep survey.

  Two helicopter surveys were flown for this study.
• One survey was conducted from June 28-30, 2001 to determine the population size, age and sex distribution and distribution of Dall's sheep.
• A second survey will be flown in March, 2002 to determine winter range for Dall's sheep.
• The first survey was conducted in the mountainous area between the Firth and Malcolm rivers.
• Total flying time for the first survey was 8.5 hours.
• The number of sheep, age class, sex and location was recorded.
• The number and location of other wildlife seen during the survey was also recorded.
• Sheep feces were collected for parasite analysis.

Partners

• Yukon Territorial Government, Department of Renewable Resources
• Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development

Results

• 85 sheep were observed during the July survey in 2001. 48 were nursery sheep, 13 were lambs and 24 were rams.
• The ratio of lambs to nursery sheep was 27:100. This ratio indicates the sheep population is stable.
• The ratio of rams to nursery sheep was 50:100. This ratio is slightly lower than expected for a population of sheep that is not hunted.
• Sheep feces were collected during the survey and will be analysed for parasites by the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.
• The majority of the sheep were seen north of Sheep Creek near the Firth River. There was little evidence that sheep were using other areas. Previous surveys have observed a significant number of sheep south of Sheep Creek. This indicates that sheep move throughout the study area, and may move between the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Ivvavik National Park.

Age class and sex of Dall's sheep in Ivvavik National Park, 2001

Contacts

Ian McDonald
Conservation Biologist
Parks Canada Agency
P.O. Box 1840
Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0
Phone: (867) 777-8807
Fax: (867) 777-8820
Ian_McDonald@pch.gc.ca