Geological Survey

Description

The US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, is offering a funding opportunity for research to evaluate the blood chemistry of male caribou (Rangifer tarandus) at the onset of the breeding season. Caribou are polygynous cervids that breed in late September and October at the end of the annual growing season. Field studies by USGS indicate that caribou males reach full adult body mass at about 5 years of age and likely become competitive in the annual rut at that age. The costs and consequences of the rut can be extreme in that males lose substantial body mass (~ 34% per Barboza et al. [2004]) and experience reduced survival and a limited life span once adulthood is reached. USGS is interested in a collaborative effort to assay and interpret hormones and stable isotope diet markers in blood of male caribou collected at the onset of the annual breeding season in order to gain understanding of factors contributing to the observed patterns of growth and survival for male caribou. This research is expected to provide increased understanding of the physiological mechanisms that drive observed characteristics of caribou ecology and population dynamics, and will be of interest to scientists and resource managers involved in management of caribou and other cervids throughout North America.

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

Faith Graves 703-648-7356<br/>fgraves@usgs.gov<br/>
fgraves@usgs.gov