摘要:Theoretical models of interaction between wild and domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus; caribou in NorthAmerica) can help explain observed social–ecological dynamics of arctic hunting and husbandry systems. Different modes ofhunting and husbandry incorporate strategies to mitigate effects of differing patterns of environmental uncertainty. Simulationsof simple models of harvested wild and domestic herds with density-dependent recruitment show that random environmentalvariation produces cycles and crashes in populations that would quickly stabilize at a steady state with nonrandom parameters.Different husbandry goals lead to radically different long-term domestic herd sizes. Wild and domestic herds are typicallyecological competitors but social complements. Hypothesized differences in ecological competition and diverse humanlivelihoods are explored in dynamic social–ecological models in which domestic herds competitively interact with wild herds.These models generate a framework for considering issues in the evolution of Human–Rangifer Systems, such as state-subsidizedherding and the use of domestic herds for transportation support in hunting systems. Issues considered include the role ofgeographic factors, markets for Rangifer products, state-subsidized herding, effects of changes in husbandry goals on fate ofwild herds, and how environmental shocks, herd population cycles, and policy shifts might lead to system state changes. Themodels also suggest speculation on the role of geographic factors in the failure of reindeer husbandry to take hold in the NorthAmerican Arctic. The analysis concludes with suggested empirical strategies for estimating parameters of the model for use incomparative studies across regions of the Arctic
关键词:caribou hunting; Rangifer tarandus; reindeer herding; social–ecological systems; system models