Mathilde Lemoullec

Survey of reindeer abundance and distribution

We propose two projects with relevance for previous data collected in Edgeøya. First, we will do local surveys of the abundance/distribution of geese (brent, barnacle, pink-footed) and the population structure of reindeer for qualitative and quantitative comparison with previous surveys, and for future reference. Second, we will perform an adjusted/improved version of Eigil Reimers'experimental study (2012, AAAR) on animal fright responses to polar bears. In particular, we will compare fright (sight, alert, flight, escape) distances in reindeer and gees when the approaching person is dressed in dark hiking clothes, white clothes, and a polar bear mascot suit.