Postglacial Distribution Patterns of Mammals in the Southern Coastal Regions of Alaska

Résumé

Discusses the spread of mammals from two refugia (a northern: interior Alaska-Bering Sea, and a southern) since the Wisconsin glacial maximum. Evidence that subsequently submerged coastal shelves aided the spread of fauna is reviewed. The brown bear, thinhorn sheep and one race of moose (Alces alces gigas) are identified as spreading from the northern refugium, whereas the black bear, deer, elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep and other races of moose originated from south of the continental ice sheet. The wolf is believed to be a comparatively late arrival. Problems of mammalian colonization of the Alexander Archipelago are considered. The faunal affinities and origins of a number of small mammals are briefly discussed.