Research

For over 35 years, the Chilcotin Ark Institute has conducted research in the southeastern Chilcotin Ark to deepen understanding of ecosystem and wildlife dynamics in British Columbia’s interior. Some of this research has been done in partnership with other organizations. The results of the research described below are actively used by government agencies in land management planning to ensure sustainable land use and conservation.

The Chilcotin Ark’s remarkable biodiversity creates unique opportunities for our research to inform and improve land management strategies. Our work includes mapping wildlife populations and habitats, monitoring ecosystem health, and developing targeted conservation actions.

Wildlife Research

Predator-Prey Dynamics

We continuously investigate the impact of predator populations on ungulate species and broader ecosystem health. Our research helps determine population management strategies and the carrying capacity for each species.

Climate Change Resilience

Our studies assess how wildlife and ecosystems adapt to climate change. For example, we analyze how species shift their ranges in response to warming climates, and evaluate the challenges faced by species like mountain goats that already inhabit high elevations.

Mountain Goat Research

Population Monitoring: Using horseback and aerial surveys, we monitor mountain goat populations, recruitment, demographics, and trends to ensure their long-term health. This data informs detailed conservation strategies, especially important since BC holds 52% of the world’s mountain goats.

Habitat Suitability and Climate Change: We study long-term changes in mountain goat habitat and the effects of climate change. The results contribute to enhanced management of mountain goat habitat.

Wildlife Displacement from Heli-Skiing, Heli-Biking and Heli-Hiking: Mountain goats are particularly vulnerable to displacement through helicopters. This is why there is a government regulation that helicopters must not fly closer than 1500m to wildlife and wildlife habitat. Our research evaluates how failure to follow this regulation affects wildlife, particularly mountain goats, and informs regulations and management strategies to minimize disturbance and reduce wildlife mortality.

Grizzly Bear Research

Population Genetics and Diet: We have collected over 900 grizzly hair samples for DNA and stable isotope analysis, providing insights into population size, habitat use, migration patterns, and diet—highlighting the importance of whitebark pine as a food source.

Migration Pattern Monitoring: Our studies map grizzly bear migration routes across the Chilcotin Ark, helping reduce human-wildlife conflicts through informed management.

Seasonal Migration Study: Each spring, we track grizzly bear movements in the Chilko/Tatlayoko area to inform management strategies and minimize conflict with humans.

California Bighorn Sheep Research

Population and Range Surveys: Every year we survey California Bighorn Sheep populations, herd recruitment, migration patterns, and predator impacts, developing detailed winter and summer range maps. Our research includes lamb survival rates and investigates the spread of pneumonia from domestic sheep, informing targeted conservation efforts.

Collaring Project: We use GPS collaring to understand migration patterns of different sheep herds, which helps us assess predator impacts and winter survival.

Amphibian Research

Tatlayoko Western Toad Study: The Western Toad is a species of conservation concern. At our Tatlayoko Research Station, we monitor the annual breeding and migration of this unique toad species, contributing to broader ecosystem studies.

Habitat Research

Plant Pollen Analysis of Glaciers: By analyzing glacier ice layers, we reconstruct historical species distributions and ecosystem changes over thousands of years.

Subalpine Grass Surveys: We have tracked subalpine grass abundance and development, contributing to understanding the impacts of climate change on wildlife food sources.

Alpine Flora and Climate Change: Our research assesses how climate change affects the distribution and abundance of alpine flowers and grasses, which are critical food sources for many wildlife species. Based on these insights, management stretgies for habitat conservation are implemented.

Whitebark Pine Conservation

Health and Reproduction Monitoring: We survey and assess endangered whitebark pine populations, monitoring threats such as pine beetle infestations, blister rust, and climate change.

Interested in collaborating or conducting your own research? Contact us for more information and check our research support out: