2015 status Cape Atholl muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) Thule region Greenland. Technical Report No. 96

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) were once indigenous to the Thule region, but 
were hunted to extinction in the 1800’s. In 1986, seven juvenile muskoxen 
were translocated to Cape Atholl, an area of approximately 880 km2 at about 
76.5°N. Since then, the status of the population has only been known by local 
reports.
On 7 September 2015 the first fixed-wing aerial minimum count of the reintroduced Cape Atholl muskoxen population was done. The resulting 
minimum count observed 276 muskoxen, with an autumn calf percentage at
17.4%, and a density of 1.4 muskoxen per km2 on habitat below 200m 
elevation. Current autumn distribution demonstrates that muskoxen have 
established themselves throughout the Cape Atholl area reaching north to
Wolstenholme Fjord (Uumaanap Kangerlua). However, most were observed in 
the south west portion close to the site of their 1986 release.
Good foraging range, i.e., under 200m elevation, is limited to 202 km2. Given 
the recommended stocking density at these elevations is 1-2 muskoxen per 
km2, we estimate that the number of muskoxen the Cape Atholl range can 
sustain is approximately 300 animals. Past harvest quotas and resulting 
harvests have not prevented growth in muskoxen abundance. Today, Cape 
Atholl muskoxen exhibit increased dispersal, and there are reports that 
vegetation in the preferred habitat of the Maniisergat (Green Valley) is 
showing signs of overuse by muskoxen. Habitat conservation may be needed, 
since at 76.5°N the growing season for vegetation is short and regeneration 
slow following grazing. 
Today, the muskoxen are near their estimated sustainable limit for Cape 
Atholl. To prevent overstocking on this small sized range, we recommend the 
following: a quota of 30 to 50 animals over the next three to five years; 
licenses with muskoxen sex and age specified (following percentages in past 
harvests); and protection of cows and calves.
Having a relatively small sustainable population in equilibrium with its range 
forage is preferable to steadily growing numbers on an increasingly depleted 
habitat. Fine tuning of future quotas and harvest seasons necessitates further 
minimum counts (including the calf %) and full harvest reporting. However, 
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current harvest reporting is incomplete and conducting future one-day aerial 
minimum counts, regardless of their frequency, hinges on the enthusiasm and 
financial resources of the Pituffik Citizen Council. Despite these constraints, 
we advise repeating minimum counts at least every three to five years to 
illuminate the effects of management actions taken.