Polar bear hunt strategies evaluated by a Leslie matrix population model

Abstract

An APL program for a Leslie matrix population projection is developed and applied to analysis of a Canadian polar bear population. Hunting specified with respect to sex ratio within a total quota may be included in the projections. Application to the lower central arctic islands’ polar bear population of 1100 animals indicates a growth to 1560 animals during ten years without hunting. Projection with two males taken for each female indicates that 54 animals may be taken from the population each year. However, the same sized hunt, but with a one-to-one sex ratio, caused a significant depression of the population.