The results of 1981-1984 summer helicopter surveys and ground reconnaissance of east-central Ellesmere Island showed that muskox (Ovibos moschatus) migrate freely through the 70 km long corridor between the Fosheim Peninsula and some lowlands on the east coast , but large areas of suitable habitat were found unused on the central east coast. Muskox densities in Sverdrup Pass were comparable with those at other arctic sites, as were their reproductive rates. Vegetated areas constituted only 5% of the total surveyed land area and were largely restricted to coastal lowlands and the Sverdrup Pass valley. The Sverdrup Pass area was one of the only areas with signs of trampled and well-grazed meadows. The lack of muskox on the Alexandra Fiord lowland seems to be related to its small size and degree of isolation. The absence of muskox on the Princess Marie Bay lowland cannot be explained by isolation. It is likely that the absence is due to the lack of population pressure that would force migration to potential grazing areas peripheral to the main range at Fosheim Peninsula.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.