Biological Projects

Mammal Research Projects:

Brown Bear Studies

• Kuskokwim Mountain Brown Bear Study:
  Togiak Refuge participated in the Kuskokwim Mountain Brown Bear Study, conducted cooperatively with the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Western Alaska Brown Bear Management Area Working Group, and the Bureau of Land Management. Objectives of the study were to delineate brown bear home ranges, obtain productivity and survival rates, and collect information on seasonal habitat use areas and movements.
• Brown Bear Population Estimate:
  Togiak's first refuge-wide brown bear population estimate was initiated in spring 2003. The two year survey involves flying intensive aerial transects throughout the refuge area. The survey occurs in spring, shortly after bears leave their dens. The collected information provides basline data of brown bear numbers, and will be utilized in future management decisions.

Nushagak Peninsula Caribou Herd Monitoring

In 1988, caribou were reintroduced to the Nushagak Peninsula on the Togiak Refuge after an absence of more than 100 years. Favorable conditions allowed the herd to grow to over 1,400 animals by 1997, however, the current population is 700-800 caribou. The ongoing management of this caribou herd is through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Togiak Traditional Council, Manokotak Traditional Council, Choggiung Limited, Curyung Tribal Council, Bristol Bay Native Association, Traditional Council of Sayuyak, Traditional Council of Aleknagik, and the Nushagak Advisory Committee. Togiak Refuge staff coordinate and participate in ongoing population monitoring of the Nushagak Peninsula Caribou Herd.

Moose Population Monitoring

Biologists from Togiak Refuge and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have radiocollared moose within Togiak Refuge. These animals are all radiotracked monthly to collect information on location, home range, habitat type, and population dynamics.

Pacific Walrus Monitoring

The Togiak Refuge's walrus monitoring program focuses on monitoring the abundance and distribution of Pacific walrus at selected haulouts at Cape Peirce and Cape Newenham.

Landcover Mapping Project

Togiak Refuge is in the process of developing a landcover map from satellite data, in conjunction with a statewide effort. Landcover databases are useful tools for management of land and wildlife.

Beaver Cache Surveys

Togiak National Wildlife Refuge reinstated beaver abundance surveys on 12 rivers in fall 2002. Beaver abundance surveys occurred on four river drainages from 1975-1987. The aerial survey occurs each fall on the main channels of each river. The number of caches, which indicate an active beaver colony, are tallied, creating an index of beaver abundance.