| Methods |
An experimental approach is being used to evaluate the potential impacts of timber removal on the use of mineral licks by goats. The project study design involves monitoring goat use at 4 mineral-lick complexes in the lower Ospika Valley over a 6-year period. Three licks serve as controls, while 2 treatments were applied to the lone treatment mineral lick: the "buffered" treatment involved retaining the mature forest (~150 m wide) along both sides of the main access trail that leads to the lick, whereas the subsequent "clearcut" treatment involved the complete removal of the buffered treatment. The buffered treatment was created after the first monitoring season and the clearcut treatment was conducted after the fourth year. The behavioural response of radio-collared and non-collared goats at the licks and along their access trails is being monitored by remote radio-telemetry data-loggers and remote cameras between April and November. Radio-collared goats are also monitored biweekly by fixed-wing aircraft to determine range-use patterns and movements, and mortalities. |
