started by the Fish and WildUfe Branch, were continued. The method, using low 

 level aerial photographs, is now producing reliable data. Productivity in the 

 summer of 1961 was about 20% below that expected, and the factors responsible 

 for poor reproduction or survival of young are sttli unknown. 



Predators 



Research on predators, their ejffects on wildlife populations and domestic 

 animals, and methods for their management were continued. 



Studies of the populations of timber wolves in an experimental area in 

 Algonquin Park made significant progress. A study of their food habits is provid- 

 ing a broad understanding of what wolves eat during different seasons of the 

 year and under differing conditions of the availability of prey. Techniques to 

 determine population numbers have been developed and can be used to determine 

 and compare population numbers within moderately broad limits. A population 

 study is providing knowledge of the comparative numbers of wolves after a three- 

 year period of complete protection. Studies of the ranges and movements of 

 wolves during both summer and winter have provided much new information 

 on these aspects of wolf ecology and behaviour. 



The three-year experimental poisoning program in parts of Sioux Lx>okout 

 and Port Arthur Forest Districts was completed and the results are now being 

 analyzed. 



A study of coyotes on Manitoulin Island was initiated, and this will be 

 conducted on a full-scale basis in the coming year. 



A preliminary survey of the numbers of polar bears and their distribution 

 along the Hudson Bay coast was carried out during the past summer. Fourteen 

 bears were found between Fort Severn and Cape Henrietta Maria, most of which 

 were near the latter location in late summer. It appears that the number of bears 

 reaching the Ontario coast from the ice of Hudson Bay depends on the extent 

 to which the ice is broken up near shore and the time at which break-up occurs. 

 Years of persistent ice and cool summer weather are characterized by low numibers 

 of bears on land along the coast. There are good indications that the distribution 

 of bears in the Hudson Bay basin depends on many factors, including their 

 movements and the movement of sea ice, so that there is no distinct Ontario 

 population. 



Miscellaneous 



A study of the economics of utilization of fish and wildlife resources in the 

 Big Trout Lake region of Patricia Central was started. Collection and analysis 

 of data on fish production and marketing was the first phase of this study, and 

 a report is now in preparation. Similar analysis will be done for fur production 

 and marketing from these areas. The results will be used to guide management 

 programs in northern Ontario and to improve financial returns to the Indians from 

 the harvest of these resources. 



Reports 



Wildlife research reports are listed in an appendix on page 280. 



FORESTRY 



The forestry research program is reported under the headings of Regional 

 Silvicultural Research Units, Site Research, Reforestation Research, Forest Tree 

 Breeding, and White Pine Blister Rust Reconnaissance Surveys. 



268 



