In order to measure the degree to which wildlife is influenced by the presence of the oil industry, NAOSC undertook several baseline studies of wildlife and biodiversity as part of its environmental impact assessment studies.
In 2006, NAOSC launched a long-term study to measure the abundance and distribution of moose, caribou and wolves in the lease area and to monitor changes in their physiological health.
Of particular concern are caribou, which are primarily found within distinct ranges in northern Alberta. As exploration drilling can only be carried out in winter, and winter is a stressful time for large mammals, it is important to understand the pre-development state of the animal population and to find a measure of the impact of winter drilling activities.
Moreover, the more information we have on the fauna in the leases, the better we can time and locate our drilling to minimise disturbance.
The study employs a non-invasive method of measuring and monitoring population health. The scat (faeces) of wolves, moose and caribou are collected and analysed.
By testing for hormones secreted in response to external and nutritional stress, reproductive hormones and DNA, researchers can identify species, gender and individual animals and assess their physiological condition.
The scat locations are obtained using GPS, and they can thus be combined to provide information about the spatial distribution of animals as well as the approximate timing of disturbances.
The scat locations have also been used to develop an empirical habitat model (resource selection model) for caribou.
Scat samples were collected between January and March in both 2006 and 2007, using specially trained scat detection dogs.
These dogs are able to locate samples from all three species at considerable distances, even if covered by snow.
Members of the local indigenous community assisted in the programme.
