2017 status muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) Cape Atholl, Thule region Greenland. Technical Report No. 104

1 2017 status muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus ) Cape Atholl Thule region Greenland Technical Report No. 104, 2022 Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources 2 Title: 2017 status muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus ) Cape Atholl, Thule region Greenland Authors: Christine Cuyler1, Kasim S. Virk2, Thomas B. Clausen2, Flemming H. Jensen2, Erik W. Born3, Kristin Laidre1 and Øystein Wiig4 1 Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland 2 SPE Box 140, 3970 Pituffik, Greenland 3 Greenland’s Representation, P.O. Box 1915, 1023 Copenhagen K, Denmark. 4 Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway Series: Technical Report No. 104, 2022 Date of publication: 16 February 2022 Publisher: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Financial support: Pituffik Municipal Council ( Pituffik Borgerråd ) Cover photo: Inge Gottfredsen: Muskox cows, calves, and juveniles, with Uummannap Kangerlua (Wolstenholme Fjord) in background, July 2017. ISBN: 87-91214-81-5 ISSN: 1397-3657 EAN: 9788791214813 Cited as: Cuyler, C., Virk, K.S., Clausen, T.B. Jensen, F.H., Born, E.W., Laidre, K. and Wiig, Ø. 2022. 2017 status muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus ) Cape Atholl, Thule region Greenland. Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Technical Report No. 104. 60 pp. Contact address: The report is only available in electronic format. You can download a PDF-file of the report at this homepage https://natur.gl/forskning/rapporter/ Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources P.O. Box 570 3900 Nuuk, Greenland Phone: +299 36 12 00 E-mail: [email protected] www.natur.gl 3 2017 status muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus ) Cape Atholl Thule region Greenland By Christine Cuyler1, Kasim S. Virk2, Thomas B. Clausen2, Flemming H. Jensen2 , Erik W. Born3, Kristin Laidre1 and Øystein Wiig4 1 Pinngortitaleriffik – Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland 2 SPE Box 140, 3970 Pituffik, Greenland 3 Greenland’s Representation, P.O. Box 1915, 1023 Copenhagen K, Denmark. 4 Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway Technical Report No. 104, 2022 Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources 4 [Empty page] 5 Table of Contents Summary (English) ................................................................... 7 Eqikkaaneq (kalaallisut) ......................................................... 8 Resumé (dansk) ......................................................................... 9 Introduction ............................................................................. 10 Methods .................................................................................... 16 Results ...................................................................................... 21 Discussion ................................................................................ 24 Acknowledgements ................................................................. 32 Literature cited ........................................................................ 33 Figures 1. Map of the Cape Atholl area, which totals ca. 880 km2, showing Pituffik ... Page 10 2. Flight paths during survey for polar bears between Kullorsuaq and … Page 13 3. Incidental observations of muskoxen made during flights searching for ... Page 14 4. Map of the grid cells used during the 2017 muskox counts of Cape Athol ... Page 18 5. Ground: Road and sea routes used for July 2017 minimum count … Page 18 6. Aerial route flown for 14 September 2017 minimum count ... Page 19 7. Location and size of muskox groups observed during the road and sea … Page 20 8. Location and size of muskox groups observed during the aerial survey … Page 23 9. Qoororsuaq valley mouth, 16 August 2010: Green vegetated slopes … Page 35 10. Qoororsuaq valley, 03 July 2011: Green vegetated slopes … Page 35 11. Qoororsuaq valley mouth, 02 July 2011: Green vegetated slopes … Page 36 12. Qoororsuaq valley mouth, 24 July 2017: Green vegetated slopes … Page 36 13. Aerial view of Qoororsuaq valley, 14 Sept 2017: Vegetated slopes under … Page 37 14. Aerial view of Qoororsuaq valley, 14 Sept 2017, inner valley view to NNE. Page 37 15. Aerial view of inner west side of the Qoororsuaq valley, 14 Sept 2017 … Page 38 16. Satellite image of Qoororsuaq valley system, May 2010: Downloaded … Page 38 17. Outer Qoororsuaq valley (above) and closeup Paakitsoq shore cliff (below) Page 39 18. Further photos of Qoororsuaq valley mouth with closeup, taken 24 July Page 40 19. Christine Cuyler and Kasim S. Virk, background shows interior of … Page 42 20. Kasim S. Virk beside the Cessna 172 ready for aerial count 14 September... Page 42 21. Christine Cuyler steadying the telescope while viewing muskoxen. Page 43 22. Low elevation terrain (< 100m) near the Thule Air Base was typically … Page 43 23. Thule Air Base, illustrating minimal vegetation and red brown mud/clay Page 44 24. The iconic flat-topped Dundas Mountain, just NW of the Thule Air Base Page 44 25. Terrain and vegetation typical for around the Thule Air Base. Page 45 26. Terrain and vegetation typical for just east of the Thule Air Base. Page 46 27. A bull muskox grazing among boulders near Thule Air Base. Page 47 28. Terrain and sparce vegetation typical to around the Thule Air Base. … Page 47 29. Landscapes and sparse vegetation typical of the interior and river valleys. Page 48 30. Terrain and sparse vegetation typical at the edge of the Greenland Ice Cap. Page 49 6 31. Typical open vista (view to NE on road east from Thule Air Base) with … Page 49 32. Group of four muskoxen grazing on sparse vegetation typical ... Page 50 33. Rocky shore at Amitsuarsuk, Uummannap Kangerlua (Wolstenholme … Page 50 34. Contrast between the green vegetation on the rocky scree slopes … Page 51 35. Contrast between the slim horns and slight boss of cows (above) and … Page 52 36. Natural mortality of an old bull muskox. Thule Air Base pipeline in … Page 55 37. Polar bear scavenging the ca. three-week old carcass of adult bull … Page 55 38. Young mature bull aged 5-6 years shot by Lemme Svensson, August 2017. Page 56 39. White fuzz hair, typical of young bulls, behind (and between) horn boss ... Page 57 40. Hyperplasia of the right front hoof from mature bull muskox, age 5-6 … Page 57 Tables 1. Muskox observations in Cape Atholl since 1986 re-introduction ... Page 12 2. Harvest quotas and seasons for muskoxen of Cape Atholl. Reported … Page 15 3. Muskox demographics from ground (road and sea) minimum count ... Page 21 4. Aerial minimum count results for muskoxen of Cape Atholl, 14 Sept 2017. Page 24 5. Raw data: Ground (road and sea) minimum count, 24 July – 06 August … Page 53 6. Raw data from aerial minimum count of muskoxen in Cape Atholl …. Page 54 Appendices 1. Qoororsuaq Valley, south coast Cape Atholl area Page 35 2. Brief description methods: 2013 aerial polar bear survey Page 41 3. Field work photos (taken 24-31 July, unless otherwise indicated) Page 42 4. Raw Data: Ground (road and sea) minimum count Page 53 5. Raw Data: Aerial minimum count, 14 September 2017 Page 54 6. Natural mortality, mature old bull Page 55 7. One observation of hoof hyperplasia in 2017 Page 56 8. Data sheet for ground (road and sea) minimum count Page 58 9. Data sheet for aerial minimum count Page 59 7 Summary (English) Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) once inhabited the Cape Atholl area (Kangaarsuk) between ca. 76o 14  N and ca. 76o 35  N in NW Greenland. In the 1800s, however, the muskox population in this area extirpated. In 1986, seven juvenile muskoxen were translocated from the Kangerlussuaq/Søndre Strømfjord region and re-introduced to the Cape Atholl area. The first systematic survey (September 2015) dedicated to muskoxen and covering almost half of the Cape Atholl area, resulted in a minimum count of 276 muskoxen. This report describes the second similar aerial minimum count (September 2017) and additionally a ground (road and sea) count of JulySeptember 2017. The latter covered a smaller portion (14%) of the area than the aerial count (34%). Despite recent range expansion, the 2017 study indicated that most of the muskox population continued to remain concentrated in valleys and lowlands in the southern half of the Cape Atholl area. The ground count was 109 muskoxen, which included 8.3% calves (age < 1-year). The aerial minimum count was 212 muskoxen, which included roughly 10% calves. The aerial count was superior to the ground count in both area coverage and numbers of muskoxen observed. At ca. 76°N, the Cape Atholl area is high Arctic and elevations above 200 m are sparsely vegetated. Despite this, the muskoxen have thrived since their reintroduction to the area. This appears related to the presence of huge seabird breeding colonies of little auks (Alle alle), whose annual guano deposition causes vegetation hot spots. In 2017, given minimum count of 212 muskoxen, density was ca. 1/km2 for all areas with elevation <200 m and 4-5/km2 for vegetation hot spots, while the 2017 calf percentage was low. Observations in 2021 by staff at the Pituffik – Thule Air Base suggest population decline has not occurred following 2017. To ascertain population trend, further aerial minimum counts are required and must include calf percentage value. 8 Eqikkaaneq (kalaallisut) Avanersuarmi Kangaarsummi timmisartumik, Kangaarsuup affaata missaa, kisitsivigineqarmat ikinnerpaamik 276-inik umimmaqarnissaa missiliorneqarpoq. Kangaarsummi umimmaat ikinnerpaaffilerniarlugit september 2017-imi kisitsineq, kingullermik 2015-imi kisitsinermut sanilliunneqarsinnaavoq. Nalunaarusiami aamma ilanngullugu Kangaarsuup sineriaa atuarlugu umimmannik nunamiittuniik aammalu Pituffimmi biilimiit umimmaat takusat ikinnerpaaffilerniarlugit juli-september tungaanut 2017imi kisitsivigineqarnerat ilanngullugit allaaserineqarput. Umiatsiamik taamatut Kangaarsummi kisitsinermi tamatuma nunataata 14 %-iata missaa kisitsiviuvoq, timmisartumilli kisitsinerup nunataata 34 %-iata missaanik kisitsiviulluni. Naak umimmaat siaruarfigisimasartik annertuseriarsimagaluaraat, taamaattoq Kangaarsuup kujataani qooqquniinniarnerusimapput atsissuniinniarnerusimallutillu. Umiatsiamit aqqusinermilu biilimiit kisitat 109-usimapput, taakkkunannga 8,3 %-ii piaraallutik suli ukiisimanngitsulluunniit. Timmisartumik kisitsinerup inerneraa Kangaarsummi ikinnerpaamik umimmaat 212 takuneqarsimasut, taakkua ilaat tassa 10 %-iisa missaat piaraallutik ukioq ataaserluunniit suli angusimanngikkaat. Ataatsimut naliliissagaanni timmisartumik kisitsineq umiatsiamiit aqqusinermiillu kisitsinerniit pitsaanerusutut nalilerneqarpoq, tassa kisitsiviup nunap annertussusia aammalu umimmaat takusat amerlassusiat eqqarsaatigalugit. Kanngaarsuup nalaata, avannarpasissuseq 76o N, silaannaa issittup silaannaa nillertuuvoq, immamiilllu qatsissuseq 200 meterit missaanniittoq nuna naggorluttuulluni. Pissutsilli taamaakkaluartut umimmaat taavungarsuaq nuussaallutik nunaligussat ajoriinnagassaanngitsumik aniguisarsimapput. Taama ajunngiusattumik atugaqarnerinut peqqutaavoq appaliarsuit ineqarfii, appaliarsuimmi anaat (guano) kuullutik nunamut eqqaamiorisaminnik naggoritsilluinnartarmata. Aallaavigigutsigu umimmaat ikinnerpaamik 212-iusut, taava km2-mut eqimassusiat umimmaap ataatsip missaanniissaaq, naggorissoqarfimmilu km2-mut sisamat tallimallu missaanniissaaq. Naak 2017-imi piaqqiarineqarsimasut ikiginakulukkaluartut, Pituffimmi sulisut 2021-mi oqaatigaat umimmaat eqqaminniittut ikiliartortutut isikkoqanngitsut. Kangaarsummilu umimmannut tunngatillugu pissutsit malinnaaffiginiarlugit innnersuussutigineqarpoq, aaqqissuulluakkamik timmisartumik kisitsinerit siunissami aggersumi ingerlateqqinneqartariaqaraluartut. 9 Resumé (dansk) Moskusokser (Ovibos moschatus) forekom tidligere i Kap Atholl-området (Kangaarsuk) mellem ca. 76o 14  N and ca. 76o 35  N i Nordvestgrønland. Imidlertid forsvandt disse fra området engang i 1800-tallet. I 1986 blev moskusokser re-introduceret til Kap Atholl-området, da syv unge individer blev flyttet dertil fra Kangerlussuaq/Søndre Strømfjord. I september 2015 gennemførtes en første systematisk optælling, med det formål at optælle moskusokser i Kap Atholl-området. Denne flyoptælling, der dækkede halvdelen af Kap Atholl-området, resulterede i et minimumtal på 276 dyr. Denne rapport beskriver den anden - og med 2015-optællingen sammenlignelige - flyoptælling foretaget i september 2017 med det formål at få et estimat af minimumsantallet af moskusokser ved Kap Atholl. Rapporten beskriver også en optælling foretaget fra båd langs kysten og fra bil (vejnettet omkring Pituffik/Thule Air Base) i juli-september 2017. Sidstnævnte optælling dækkede ca. 14% af Kap Atholl-området, mens flyoptællingen dækkede ca. 34%. Til trods for at moskusokserne har udvidet deres generelle udbredelses-område, viste 2017-studiet at de stadig især var koncentreret i dale og de lavereliggende egne i den sydlige halvdel af Kap Atholl-området. Optællingen fra båd og vejnet gav et samlet tal på 109 moskusokser, hvoraf 8,3% var ”under 1-år-gamle” kalve. Flyoptællingen resulterede i et minimumstal på 212 dyr, hvilket inkluderede 10% ”under 1-år-gamle”. kalve. Flyoptællingen var generelt bedre end bådog vejnetoptællingen både hvad angår omfang af område, der blev dækket, og antal moskusokser set. Omkring 76o N er klimaet i Kap Atholl-området højarktisk og områderne over 200 m over havets overflade (o.h.o.) har sparsom vegetation. Ikke desto mindre synes bestanden af re-introducerede moskusokserne at have klaret sig godt. Det skyldes især forekomsten i området af store fuglefjelde med søkonger (Alle alle), hvis afføring (guano) giver gødning til frodige vegetations ”hot spots”. Med udgangspunkt i minimumstallet på 212 moskus i 2017 var tætheden (densiteten) af dyr ca. 1 pr. km2 i alle områder under 200 m o.h.o., mens den var 4-5 moskusokser pr. km2 i disse ”hot spots”. Selv om procentdelen af nye kalve var forholdsvis lav i 2017, har observationer foretaget i 2021 af personale fra Pituffik ikke antydet en nedgang i antallet af moskusokser i området. For at følge udviklingen i bestanden i Kap Athollområdet anbefales det fremover at foretage systematiske flyoptællinger (minimumsantal samt andel af kalve). 16 Present Study We examined the 2017 muskox distribution and abundance in the Cape Atholl area by completing both ground and aerial minimum counts. We began with the ground minimum count, which was conducted by boat, truck, and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) from 24 July to 06 August. When possible, a detailed demographics (sex and age composition) of each group was obtained. On 14 September 2017, we completed an aerial fixed-wing minimum count of the Cape Atholl area. This report presents the results from these counts of muskoxen on Cape Atholl, which include the observed autumn distribution, total counts, calf percentage and demographics. Methods Study area At ca. 76°N, the Cape Atholl area’s location is approximately halfway between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole. Total area is ca. 880 km2, of which only 202 km2 are under 200 m elevation. The Cape Atholl area has a somewhat rectangular shape, which is bounded to the North, West, and South by the sea and to the East by the Greenland Ice Cap, of which the southeast glacial tongue is known as the Pituffik Glacier. To the north is Uummannap Kangerlua (Wolstenholme Fjord), which is thick with ice bergs originating from three glacial tongues of the Greenland Ice Cap. The area’s topography is characterised by open expanses that stretch west from the front of the Greenland Ice Cap, interrupted only by the Pingorsuit (P-mountain) massive and two long ridges named the North and South mountains. The Pingorsuit massive consists of five rounded peaks. The highest is 810 m. All five have gentle slopes. Two peaks are visible from the road network and share a permanent ice patch. With the notable exception of the Pituffik – Thule Air Base/Dundas area, the area’s coast lines are generally exposed steep slopes with narrow shoreline/beach below. Safe harbours are few to non-existent. The Cape Atholl area is high arctic with cool short summers and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) is generally low (Mosbech et al. 2018). Even in July, green is not a common colour in the typically light brown landscapes of the Cape Atholl area. The exceptions can include riverbanks, some valleys near the Thule Air Base, and most markedly, the steep slopes lining the south coast, which are also punctuated by several vivid green 17 vegetated ravine-like valleys. The presence of multiple little auk colonies is responsible for the extent of lush green vegetation along the south coast’s slopes and valleys (Mosbech et al. 2018). Elsewhere, vegetation is sparse and low in stature. All willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.) hug the ground, with their flowering parts sticking straight up to only about 4-5 cm above the soil. Grasses seldom reach more than a height of 10 cm. In addition to muskoxen, other mammals present in the Cape Atholl area include only the arctic hare (Lepus arcticus), arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), and the occasional polar bear (Ursus maritimus) or caribou/reindeer (Rangifer tarandus spp.). Notable by their continued absence are lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) and polar wolves (Canis lupus arctos). Albeit regarding the latter, in 2021 tracks of a single canid were observed near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base. However, no animal was observed, and it was difficult to ascertain whether the tracks were from a wolf, or a loose Greenland sled dog. Although uncommon, in the past loose sled dogs have occurred near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base. To date and for the past 30 years, polar wolves have never been observed or shot near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base or elsewhere in the Cape Atholl area (Kasim Virk pers. comm.). For clarity, it is worth noting that the Cape Atholl area has two locations sharing that name (Fig. 1). The first, Kangaarsuk (Cape Atholl), has both Greenlandic and English names, and is the region’s southwest cape. The second is a promontory known to Pituffik locals by the Danish name, Kap Atholl, is midway on the southern coast of the region. For further description of the study area see Cuyler et al. (2016), while Appendix three contains several photos illustrating the Cape Atholl area. Survey design Ground count: road and sea From 24 July to 06 August 2017, a muskox minimum count and demographics was completed by the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) in collaboration with the Pituffik Municipal Council. Owing to either rain or storm force winds, which forced closure of the road network and prohibited sailing, this count took place on just 4 days (24, 26 & 29 July and 06 August). Participants included Christine Cuyler (senior scientist, GN), Kasim S. Virk (Chair, Municipal Council for Pituffik – Thule Air Base), and Inge Gottfredsen (photographer). We sailed the coastline on the evening of 24 July. On 26 and 29 July we drove the principal roads near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base. On 06 18 August, ATVs were used to reach the far northeast portion of the Cape Atholl area. Observed muskoxen were assigned a grid-cell position (Fig. 4). Figure. 4. Map of the grid cells used during the 2017 muskox counts of Cape Atholl area. Each square measures 3x3 km Figure. 5. Ground: road and sea routes used for July 2017 minimum count of muskoxen in Cape Atholl: sailing (solid orange line), roads driven (solid brown lines) and ATV route (dashed brown line). Using Leica telescope or binoculars (32-x and 10-x magnification respectively), each muskox group was then examined for total number, and the sex and age 19 of the individuals (Appendix 4, 5). Calves were identified by their small body size. Sex and age of older animals were determined by horn size/shape and body size (Henrichsen & Grue 1980, Olesen & Thing 1989, Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game 2010). To avoid double counting, once an area, valley or coast had been counted it was considered ‘finished’ and never counted again. For example, near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base, several groups and individuals were assumed seen repeatedly in the same areas throughout the study period. We sailed approximately 55 km of coastline and drove about 93 km of roadway/track (Fig. 5). Strip width for the coastline was about 500 m, and twice that for roadways driven. Therefore, the road and sea area surveyed totalled about 120 km2, providing approximately 14% coverage of the Cape Atholl area. We noted arctic fox, arctic hare, and ringed seal (Pusa hispida) sightings. Figure 6. Aerial route flown for 14 September 2017 minimum count. Total path length (including ferry return to Thule Air Base) was 360 km, which included the ca. 300 km for actual muskox count. Orange arrows near the Dundas start and end point indicate flight direction. Aerial fixed-wing count On 14 September, from 17:45 until 21:30, a muskox minimum count was completed by the Pituffik Municipal Council. A Cessna, single engine, 4-seat, high fixed-wing aircraft was used to fly over the Cape Atholl area. Observers, Kasim S. Virk (Chair, Municipal Council for Pituffik – Thule Air Base) and Thomas B. Clausen (Pituffik – Thule Air Base) sat on either side of the airplane. Steen Svensson (Pituffik Flying Club) was the pilot. Muskox groups observed were assigned a grid cell position and the total number of 20 individuals were written onto the grid map (Fig. 4). When possible, the number of observed calves (age < 1-year) was included. Calves were identified by their small body size. Given the stationary nature and slow locomotion of muskoxen, double counting (counting the same group or individual twice) was avoided and assumed impossible by surveying the entire Cape Atholl area in under four hours. Cruising speed was 175 km per hour. Strip width varied but was about 500 m to either side of the line flown. Survey altitude was generally like the 2015 survey, i.e., about 400 m ±100 (1000 – 1500 feet). Flying time was 3 hours and 45 minutes. This is about 1½ hours more than flown in 2015. The greater time used in 2017 resulted from the combination of three things. First, the heavy winds and falling snow along the southern shoreline’s steep slopes created dangerous conditions, which required a greater altitude and made flying close to the steep coastal slopes impossible. The result was multiple timeconsuming attempts to fly the assigned route. Secondly, was the aerial photography of the Qoororsuaq vegetation, which required additional circling with the aircraft. Finally, following completion of the Cape Atholl area, a side-trip was flown to south of the Pituffik Glacier for the purpose of photographing the vegetation there. The Cape Atholl portion of the route was about 360 km in length, of which ca. 300 km were for the actual muskox count, and the remaining for ferry return to the Pituffik – Thule Air Base (Fig. 6). Resulting area coverage was about 34% of the Cape Atholl area’s 880 km2. Figure 7. Location and size of muskox groups observed during the road and sea minimum count of the Cape Atholl area, July 2017 21 Results Ground: Road and sea minimum count July-August 2017 We observed 35 groups of muskoxen, for a total of 109 animals (Fig. 7), which included 9 calves (born spring 2017). Calves made up only 8.3% of all animals observed on the road and sea count. Average group size was 3.1 ±3.7 StDev (Standard Deviation). Maximum group size was 18 muskoxen. The number of muskoxen in the north near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base amounted to 37% (n= 40) of the total observed during the ground count. These included just three groups of mixed sex and age, and four solitary bulls (Fig. 7). Meanwhile, 63% of all the muskoxen observed were in the southern half of the Cape Atholl area. For the first time, we observed muskoxen foraging on the upper half of the extremely steep slopes of the south coast, specifically from Kangaarsuk south to Cape Atholl. High above on the slopes, several muskoxen were only detected once they stood up. Initially these were hidden from our view because they were lying down in pits, which were necessary to prevent inadvertently rolling down the steep incline. Table 3. Muskox demographics from ground (road and sea) minimum count of Cape Atholl, July 2017. Muskox demographics in Cape Atholl: Ground Count Classification Age Observed Percentage Unknown 1-2 years 10 9.2 % Unknown ≥3-years 15 13.8 % Calf < 1 year 9 8.3 % Cow 1-year 2 1.8 % Cow 2-years 5 4.6 % Cow 3-years 3 2.8 % Cow ≥ 4-years 19 17.4 % Bull 1-year 2 1.8 % Bull 2-years 8 7.3 % Bull 3-years 5 4.6 % Bull 4-years 5 4.6 % Bull ≥ 5-years (Trophy) 26 23.8% TOTAL 109 100 % Ratio Bull (≥ 5-yrs) / cow (age ≥ 3-yrs) 26 bulls: 22 cows 1.2: 1 Recruitment (calves/100 cows (age ≥ 3-yrs)): Maximum 9 calves: 22 cows 40.9: 100 Recruitment (calves/100 cows (age ≥ 3-yrs)): Minimum 9 calves: 29 cows 31.0: 100 22 77% (n = 84) of the muskoxen were successfully sexed and aged (Table 3). With age based on their body size, sex could not be determined for 15 animals (age ≥ 3 years) and 10 sub adults (age 1-2 years). Using only cows with known sex and age, the maximum mid-summer calf recruitment was roughly 41 calves per 100 cows. However, the bull to cow ratio suggests the possibility of seven cows among the 15 animals of unknown sex but age ≥ 3-years. This suggests a minimum calf recruitment of roughly 31 calves per 100 cows. Calf percentage was only 8.3% of the total number of observed muskoxen, while reproductively mature cows (i.e., age ≥ 3-years) were just 20.2%. Miscellaneous observations during ground count Observations of other species included 27 arctic hare, 8 arctic fox and 2 ringed seals (Pusa hispida). Mosquitoes were present, but the typically strong winds kept harassment level low. During the count period, weather conditions were generally unfavourable (storm force winds and rain) for travel, except for sunshine and light winds on 24 and 25 July. Regardless, the Cape Atholl area’s open vistas and low vegetation height aided sighting muskoxen over great distances. Generally, the muskoxen appeared somewhat disturbed by our presence, whether this was sailing by in a boat or driving past using a motorized vehicle. If on a slope, they moved up and away from their initial positions. If in open terrain near a road they moved away in the opposite direction. Distances moved ranged from only a few meters to ca. 0.5 km. On the extremely steep but vegetated slopes of the southern shoreline, one sub adult male (age 2-years) evidenced an injured right hind leg. No weight could be put on the limb, which made movement laborious on the steep incline. This sub-adult was closely accompanied by a cow. On the 26th of August 2017 the first incidence of natural mortality was observed. A muskox bull was found dead beside the road just east of North Mountain (Pituffik – Thule Air Base). The absence of any black colour at the horn tips, which were also blunt and rounded with wear, suggest that this animal was an old bull well past his prime. About three weeks later, a polar bear was scavenging the carcass (Appendix 6). 23 This 2017 study observed hoof hyperplasia (i.e., overgrown) on one muskox (Appendix 7). The condition afflicted just one leg and hoof length was only somewhat more than normal. Pituffik – Thule Air Base staff has reported few if any observations of hoof hyperplasia in recent years. Figure 8. Location and size of muskox groups observed during the aerial survey of Cape Atholl area, 14 September 2017. A total of 212 muskoxen were observed. Aerial fixed-wing minimum count September 2017 From the fixed-wing aircraft we observed 41 groups of muskoxen, for a total of 212 animals (Fig. 8, Table 4). This included 21 calves (born spring 2017, age < 1-year). Calves made up ca. 10% of all animals, however, this rough value may be low because the presence or absence of calves was not always possible to ascertain. Average group size was 5.2 ± 5.2 StDev. Maximum group size was 22 and occurred at the mouth of the Maniiseqqat (Green Valley). The majority, 80% (n=169), of all the muskoxen observed were in the southern half of the Cape Atholl area, albeit many were approaching the ½-way point between the north and the south. The remaining 20% (n= 43) of all muskoxen observed were in the northern portion of the area. These included the same three mixed sex and age groups observed earlier in the ground (road and sea) count (i.e., the groups containing 6, 12 and 18 muskoxen), while three of the ground count’s lone bulls appeared to have become a group of three. For the northern Cape Atholl area, the aerial count observed three more muskoxen than the ground count, specifically a group of two and a lone adult. 24 Table 4. Aerial minimum count results for muskoxen of Cape Atholl, 14 September 2017. Parameter Muskoxen Survey of Cape Atholl Continuous survey line distance 300 km Survey line width 1 km (2x 500m) Cape Atholl area 880 km2 Approximate surveyed area 300 km2 Survey coverage 34% Aircraft altitude 300-500 m Air Speed 175 km/hour Number of muskox groups observed 41 Total muskoxen observed 212 Observed calves among total1 21 Rough calf percentage1 9.9 % Average group size 5.17 ± 5.2 StDev Median group size 3 Maximum group size 22 Minimum group size 1 1 Presence or absence of calves could not be ascertained with certainty for 12 of the 41 groups (Appendix 5, Table 6). Thus, the calf percentage is approximate and may be lower than the true value. Weather conditions deteriorated as the aerial survey progressed, specifically while attempting to survey the ca. 25 km southern shoreline between Kangaarsuk and the Pituffik Glacier. Specifically, strong gusting winds prohibited flying low over the shore cliffs between Kangaarsuk and Cape Atholl. Additionally, snow began to fall, which obscured visibility, specifically when combined with the higher altitudes flown. The result was reduced observer ability to detect muskoxen that may have been present on the slopes of the southern shoreline. Discussion Muskox distribution and abundance Although 43 muskoxen were observed in the northern half of the area, the 2017 results illustrate that most of the muskox population continue to remain concentrated in the valleys and lowlands of the southern half of the Cape Atholl area. Nevertheless, the 2017 count documented northward expansion and hunter observation revealed at least one lone bull had managed to cross the barrier that is the Pituffik glacier, since it was on the southeast side near the village of Savissivik. This 2017 distribution suggests that even at this study’s count of 212 muskoxen, the muskox population of Cape Atholl is expanding its range. Range expansion can be a mechanism to counteract overpopulation on initial range area. 25 In 2017 we completed both an aerial and a ground (road and sea) count. The ground count covered ca. 14% of the Cape Atholl area (total ca. 880 km2), while the aerial coverage was more than double at 34%. This difference was reflected in the number of muskoxen observed. The ground count observed 109 muskoxen, while the aerial count had almost double at 212. The aerial results suggest a muskox density of 0.2/km2 for the entire Cape Atholl area. On any count some animals are always overlooked. Muskox detectability at the time an area is counted can be affected by several factors, including weather. During the aerial count of 2017, sometimes blowing snow obscured visibility while strong winds prevented low altitude flying over the best muskox habitat (southern shore of Cape Atholl area. It is likely that some of muskoxen were not detected. Thus, the 2017 aerial minimum count result, 212 muskoxen, likely missed animals present along the route flown. With its lower total number of muskoxen observed relative to the aerial effort, the ground (road and sea) count obviously missed muskoxen that were otherwise present in the Cape Atholl area. During the sea count unusual circumstances somewhat explain the fewer ground count observations. When we sailed the coast on 24 July, the number of muskoxen observed (n=68) amongst the little auk colonies of the southern shoreline was low. We sailed that coast in the evening, unaware that earlier that same day two research ornithologists from Aarhus University, Denmark, had sailed the same shoreline and gone ashore into all the main valleys to complete field work. To protect themselves from possible muskox attacks they had deliberately scared the muskoxen out of those valleys (Mosbech pers. comm.). Understandably, few muskoxen remained when we counted those valleys that evening. The above, however, does not fully explain the 103 fewer muskoxen observed during ground efforts. Clearly, owing to greater coverage and increased animal detections, aerial counts are superior to ground counts. Until 2012 there had been no specific effort to count muskoxen in the Cape Atholl area. Any observations were anecdotal, often limited to just the Maniiseqqat and/or Narsaarsuk valleys, and not unexpectedly muskox numbers were modest (Table 1). Since re-introduction of muskoxen to the area in 1986, there have been four aerial minimum counts. The first two, 2012 and 2013, were systematic observations of muskoxen made during aerial survey dedicated to detecting land-locked polar bears. These, however, did not cover the entire Cape Atholl area. The third and fourth, 2015 and 2017 (this study), were aerial counts specific for muskoxen, covered the Cape 32 Population trend The muskox population of Cape Atholl appears to have thrived since seven individuals were re-introduced to the area in 1986. Nevertheless, the low 2017 calf percentage indicates that at least recent conditions for calf production/ survival have not been good. Although not investigated by this study, conditions might include reduced range quality and snow depths. If the observed low calf percentage accurately reflected the 2017 situation and if it persisted, then population decline is possible. There have been no further muskox counts since 2017. In 2021, Pituffik – Thule Air Base staff provided an update on muskox presence for the area surrounding the Air Base. The new information suggested the low calf percentage of 2017 had not persisted. In 2017 only 43 muskoxen were counted near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base. In contrast by 2021, over 100 muskoxen were observed, group sizes were sometimes over 20 animals and typically included many calves, and for the first-time lone old bulls became a nuisance and safety hazard at the Pituffik – Thule Air Base runway (Kasim Virk pers. comm.). Reasons for the 2021 greater numbers of muskoxen around the Thule Air Base would include of course population growth but could also be attributed to ordinary movement into the area from elsewhere on Cape Atholl owing to damaged vegetation in the primary habitat around little auk breeding colonies. For the latter, population growth would not necessarily be a prerequisite. Meanwhile, alone, the 2015 and 2017 counts provide just two points of reference. This is insufficient data to establish muskox population trend. Further counts are required. Acknowledgements The Pituffik Municipal Council was pivotal in initiating and carrying out the 2017 counts. We gratefully thank the pilot Steen Svensson and the Pituffik Flying Club for once again providing their Cessna 172 to disposition for the aerial survey minimum count. We sincerely thank Svend Guldager Pedersen, Site Manager for Greenland Contractors, for the financial support covering flights to and from Thule, accommodation, and meals. We thank anonymous reviewer for critique of the manuscript. 33 Literature cited Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game. 2010. Muskox, a guide to identification hunting and viewing. Alaska Department of Fish & Game, P.O. Box 1148, Nome, Alaska 99762, USA. www.wildlife.alaska.gov. 36 pp. Anderson M. & Fergusen M. 2016. Movements and habitat use of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) on Barthurst, Cornwallis and Devon Islands, 2003.2006. Status Report 201608, Nunavut Department of Environment, Wildlife Research Section, Igloolik, NU. 112 pp. Asbjørn et al. 2005. Predicting the growth of a small introduced muskox population using population prediction intervals. Journal of Animal Ecology. 74: 612-618. Boertmann D. & Mosbech A. 1998. Distribution of little auk (Alle alle) breeding colonies in Thule District, northwest Greenland. Polar Biol. 19: 206-2010. Born E.W., Laidre K. & Wiig Ø. 2012. Genetic mark-recapture assessment of the Baffin Bay and Kane Basin polar bear subpopulations: Interim report on field work 2012. – Unpublished report to the Department of Fishery, Hunting and Agriculture (Government of Greenland, Nuuk) and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Ministry of the Environment), Copenhagen, from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, 7 November 2012, Nuuk, 21 p. (Available from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, www.natur.gl). Born E.W., Laidre K. & Wiig Ø. 2013. Genetic mark-recapture assessment of the Baffin Bay (BB) and Kane Basin (KB) polar bear subpopulations: Interim report on field work 2013. – Unpublished report to the Department of Fishery, Hunting and Agriculture (Government of Greenland, Nuuk) and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Ministry of the Environment), Copenhagen, from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, 10 December 2013, Nuuk, 19 p. (Available from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, www.natur.gl). Born E.W., Wiig Ø. & Neve P.B. 1995. Observations of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in Central East Greenland. Z. Säugetierkunde 60: 373-379. Burnham W. 1996. Progress Report 1996: Thule Greenland Project. The Peregrine Fund, 566 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho 83709, USA. 10 pp. Burnham W. 1997. Progress Report 1997: High Arctic Institute Pituffik, Greenland. The Peregrine Fund, 566 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho 83709, USA. Christiansen T & Lacoppidan C. 1986. Transport af moskusokser på Grønland i 1986. Intern Report samt 3 Bilag. 7 pp. Cuyler, C., Marques, T.A., Correia, I.J.F., Jensen, A., Hegelund, P. & Wagnholt, J. 2022. 2018 status muskoxen, Maniitsoq & Sisimiut, West Greenland. Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Technical Report No. 119. 113 pp. Cuyler L.C. & Mølgaard H.S. 2002. Overgrown hooves from muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) of Kangaarsuk (Cape Atholl) Northwest Greenland. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Technical report No. 41. 30 pp. 34 Cuyler C., Virk K.J., Clausen T.B. & Jensen, F.H. 2016. 2015 status Cape Atholl muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) Thule region Greenland. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Technical Report no. 96. 37 pp. Dalerum F., Freire S., Angerbjörn A., Lecomte N., Lindgren Å, Meijer T., Pečnerová P. & Dalén. L. 2018. Exploring the diet of Arctic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) at their northern range limit. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 96: 277-281. Henrichsen P. & Grue H. 1980. Age criteria in the muskox (Ovibos moschatus) from Greenland. Danish Review of Game Biology. 11(4): 1-18. Joly K. & Klein D. R. 2016. Complexity of caribou population dynamics in changing climate. U.S. National Park Service. www.nps.gov Körner C. 2007. The use of ‘altitude’ in ecological research. Trends Ecol. Evol. 22: 569–574. Mosbech A., Johansen K.l., Davidson T.A., Appelt M., Grønnow B., Cuyler C., Lyngs P. & Flora J. 2018. On the crucial importance of a small bird: The ecosystem services of the little auk (Alle alle) population in Northwest Greenland in a long-term perspective. Ambio. 47: S226-S243. Nellemann C. & Reynolds P.E. 1997. Predicting late winter distribution of muskoxen using an index of terrain ruggedness. Arctic and Alpine Research 29(3): 334-338. Nellemann C. 2011. Habitat use by muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in winter in an alpine environment. Can. J. Zool. 76(1): 110-116. Olesen C.R. & Thing H. 1989. Guide to field classification by sex and age of the muskox. Can. J. Zool. 67: 1116-1119. Reynolds P. 1998. Dynamics and range expansion of a re-established muskox population. Journal of Wildlife Management. 62: 734-744. Selvstyret. 2020. Selvstyrets bekendtgørelse nr. 33 af 11. september 2020 om beskyttelse og fangst af ulve. http://lovgivning.gl/lov?rid={30E099A8-76A4-45ED-8602B7C71975859C} Tener J.S. 1965. Muskoxen in Canada: A biological and taxonomic review. Canadian Wildlife Service Monograph 2. 166 pp. Thing H. 1984. Status of the muskox in Greenland. Communication No. 196 from Game Biology Station, Kalø, DK-8410 Ronde, Denmark. Biol. Pap. Univ. Alaska Spec. Rep. No. 4: 1-6. Thomas D.C., Miller F.L., Russel R.H. & Parker G.R. 1981. The Bailey Point region and other muskox refugia in the Canadian Arctic: a short review. Arctic. 34(1): 34-36. Vibe C. 1986. Tilbage til de gamle græsgange. Augut. Pages 6-7. (In Danish) 35 Appendix 1 Qoororsuaq Valley, south coast Cape Atholl area Figure 9. Qoororsuaq valley mouth, 16 August 2010: Green vegetated slopes under little auk breeding colonies, view to northeast from mouth of valley. Photo by Peter Lyngs. Figure 10. Qoororsuaq valley, 03 July 2011: Green vegetated slopes under little auk breeding colonies, taken from inner west slope with view to east. Photo by Peter Lyngs. 36 Figure 11. Qoororsuaq valley mouth, 02 July 2011: Green vegetated slopes under little auk breeding colonies, view northeast into mouth of valley. Photo by Peter Lyngs. Figure 12. Qoororsuaq valley mouth, 24 July 2017: Area of green vegetated slopes under little auk breeding colonies appears relatively unchanged since July 2011 (see Fig. 11). Photo by C. Cuyler. 37 Figure 13. Aerial view of Qoororsuaq valley, 14 September 2017: Vegetated slopes under little auk breeding colonies, view to northeast. Photo by Kasim S. Virk. Figure 14. Aerial view of Qoororsuaq valley, 14 September 2017, inner valley view to NNE. Photo by Kasim S. Virk. 38 Figure 15. Aerial view of inner west side of the Qoororsuaq valley, 14 September 2017, view NNE. Photo by Kasim S. Virk. Figure 16. Satellite image of Qoororsuaq valley system, May 2010: Downloaded 2021 Google Earth Pro Maxar Technologies. Vegetated areas are of limited extent, see also figures 9-15, 17 and 18. 39 Figure 17. Outer Qoororsuaq valley (above) and closeup of Qoororsuaq shore cliff (below), 24 July 2017. Photos by C. Cuyler. 40 Figure 18. Further photos of Qoororsuaq valley mouth with closeup, taken 24 July 2017. Photos by C. Cuyler. 41 Appendix 2 Brief description methods: 2013 polar bear survey In the period, 7-17 September 2013, seven days could be used for flying searching for polar bears in the area between 74° 34’ N (Kullorsuaq) and 76° 46’ N (Moriussaq; i.e. an abandoned settlement NW of Pituffik – Thule Air Base), and between 57° 14’ W (Kullorsuaq) and 70° 03’ W (western point of Appat/Saunders Island) out to a maximum distance of ca. 40 km from the coast to include offshore islands. An Air Greenland AS350 Ecureuil B3 helicopter was used for searching the coastlines, mountains, glacier fronts, glacial ice, and offshore islands for land-locked polar bears. Surveys were usually flown at 300-600 feet altitude above ground (ca. 100-200 m) depending on topography and landscape and at 100-110 knots (185-200 km/h). All observations of wildlife were systematically noted, including muskoxen. A total of 26 hours and 15 minutes “airtime” were used in active searching for bears and other wildlife (Born et al. 2013). Similar methods were used for the 2012 polar bear survey. 48 Figure 29. Landscapes and sparse vegetation typical of interior and river valleys. Photo by C. Cuyler. 49 Figure 30. Terrain and sparse vegetation typical at the edge of the Greenland Ice Cap near Camp Tutu. Photo by C. Cuyler. Figure 31. Typical open vista (view to NE on road east from Thule Air Base) with Greenland Ice Cap in background right of centre: light brown colours dominate the landscape, snow patches (centre) from previous winter are common and green vegetation is sparce and low in height. Photo by C. Cuyler. 50 Figure 32. Group of four muskoxen grazing on sparse vegetation typical of the interior. Photo by C. Cuyler. Figure 33. Rocky shore at Amitsuarsuk, Uummannap Kangerlua (Wolstenholme Fjord) with view to NE showing the numerous small and some large icebergs. Photo by C. Cuyler. 51 Figure 34. Contrast between the green vegetation on the rocky scree slopes immediately below little auk (Alle alle) seabird colonies (above: at Qoororsuaq) and typically brownish vegetation elsewhere on the coast where seabird colonies are absent (below: at Narsaarsuk). Photos by C. Cuyler. 52 Figure 35. Contrast between the slim horns and slight boss of cows (above) and the robust thick horns and imposing boss of bulls (below). See also figures 38 and 39 for vertical view of a massive boss typical of adult bull muskoxen. Photos by C. Cuyler. 53 Appendix 4 Raw Data: Ground (road and sea) minimum count, 24 July – 06 August 2017. Table 5. Raw data from ground (road and sea) minimum count of muskoxen in Cape Atholl, in the period 24 July – 06 August 2017. Date Grid Cell Total Group Size Unknown Calf COW BULL Method Comments Other observations Age (years) 1 2 Adult < 1 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 ≥ 5 24 July E5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July E5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July C7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 1 hare 24 July C8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 sailing coast 24 July C8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 sailing coast 24 July C8 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 sailing coast 24 July C8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 sailing coast 24 July C8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 sailing coast 24 July C9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July C9 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 sailing coast At Cape Atholl 24 July C9 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 sailing coast At Cape Atholl 24 July C9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July C9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July C10 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 sailing coast Steep, 2-yr male broken R rear leg 24 July D10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 sailing coast 24 July D10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 sailing coast 24 July D10 8 1 2 4 0 1 sailing coast 24 July D11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July D11 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 sailing coast 24 July E11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 sailing coast 1 hare 24 July E11 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 sailing coast 24 July E12 8 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 sailing coast Grey strips under little auk colony 24 July E12 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 sailing coast 24 July E13 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 sailing coast 24 July E13 2 0 0 2 sailing coast 1 hare, 2 seals 24 July E5 6 1 0 3 1 1 sailing coast 26 July M8 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 driving roads 26 July M8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 driving roads wind ca. 15 m/sec gusts more 26 July M6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 driving roads 10 hares 26 July O5 18 0 0 0 4 2 1 1 4 2 2 1 0 1 driving roads 27 July L5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 driving roads near white fuel tanks 29 July L8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 driving roads near bridge crossing 1 hare 29 July G7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 driving roads river bottom, road washed out 29 July M8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 driving roads 13 hares 06 Aug Q6 12 2 2 5 3 driving ATV In terrain far east of SWS12 TOTAL 109 5 5 15 9 2 5 3 19 2 8 5 5 26 27 hares, 2 seals 54 Appendix 5 Raw Data Aerial minimum count, 14 Sept 2017 Table 6. Raw data from aerial minimum count of muskoxen in Cape Atholl, flown by fixed-wing Cessna 172 on 14 September 2017. Observed calf number is included in the number given for total group size. Grid cell Total group size Observed calves Comments M-4 2 Likely 0 calves, likely 2 lone bulls L-4 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull N-4 18 4 O-5 12 2 O-7 6 Unable to see if any calves present N-8 3 Unable to see if any calves present N-9 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull K-11 11 2 J-10 4 Unable to see if any calves present I-6 4 Unable to see if any calves present H-7 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull G-7 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull H-9 8 Unable to see if any calves present G-9 5 Unable to see if any calves present G-8 5 Unable to see if any calves present F-8 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull F-6 14 3 E-5 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull D-5 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull C-5 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull C-6 6 1 D-6 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull E-7 3 Unable to see if any calves present D-8 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull C-9 9 2 C-8 5 1 C-7 2 Likely 0 calves, likely 2 lone bulls D-10 7 Unable to see if any calves present D-9 4 Unable to see if any calves present E-10 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull D-11 22 3 E-12 2 Likely 0 calves, likely 2 lone bulls F-12 6 Unable to see if any calves present F-11 16 1 H-11 2 Likely 0 calves, likely 2 lone bulls I-11 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull I-12 10 1 H-12 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull G-12 3 Unable to see if any calves present G-13 1 Likely 0 calves, likely a lone bull F-13 9 1 212 21 TOTAL 55 Appendix 6 Natural mortality, mature bull muskoxen On the 26 August 2017, near the Pituffik – Thule Air Base, a muskox was found dead of natural causes (Fig. 36). Flemming Hvidberg Jensen photographed the dead bull muskox, which was located near a road east of North Mountain, Pituffik – Thule Air Base. Given the lack of black horn tips, which were worn blunt, i.e., rounded down to below eye level into the white portion of the horn, this was a mature bull well past his prime. By 18 September, this bull muskox carcass was being scavenged by a polar bear (Fig. 37). Figure 36. Natural mortality of an old bull muskox. Thule Air Base pipeline in upper background of photo on right. Photo F. H. Jensen. Figure 37. Polar bear scavenging the ca. three-week old carcass of adult bull muskox. Photo K. S. Virk. 56 Appendix 7 One observation of hoof hyperplasia in 2017 Figure 38. Young mature bull aged 5-6 years shot by Lemme Svensson, August 2017. In this photo, the white fuzz hair behind the horn boss is hidden under the shedding neck hair. The horn tips although long and black, lack the expected sharp tips. Photo by F. H. Jensen. On 30 August 2017, Lemme Svensson shot a bull muskox during the hunting season. Given the shape, size, and length of horns (tips curl past the eyeball) and horn boss (Fig. 38) combined with extensive white fuzz hair behind and between the horn boss often typical of juveniles (Fig. 39), the age of this bull is estimated to be 5-6 years. Although the horns are long and possess black tips, these are not as sharply pointed as expected for a 5-year-old, and the horn boss looks much worn and chipped for a relatively young mature bull. Already in the late 1990s abnormal horn chipping was documented for muskoxen in Cape Atholl area(Cuyler et al. 2002). Although August, this bull had not yet completely shed last winter’s coat, which might indicate suboptimal body condition. A diet involving poor browse was evidenced by extensive tooth wear on the front incisors (not photographed). The right front hoof of 57 this mature bull muskox was hyperplastic, i.e., somewhat overgrown (Fig. 40) however, the other three hooves were normal. This suggests that hyperplasia of the one hoof resulted from a pathogen, i.e., was not the result of genetics or diet. Figure 39. White fuzz hair, typical of young bulls, behind (and between) horn boss, which is prematurely old looking being worn and chipped. Photo by F. H. Jensen. Figure 40. Hyperplasia of the right front hoof from mature bull muskox, age 5-6 years, shot 30 August 2017. Photo by F. H. Jensen.