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The Large Animal Research Station (LARS)
was created in 1979 with a major grant from the National Science Foundation, Office of
Polar Programs. The intent was to establish a colony of muskoxen that would be available
for nutritional, physiological and behavioral research, and to provide a location close to
the university where research could take place on large wild ungulates in captivity. LARS
is administered by the Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB), University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Appropriations from the State of Alaska and continuing budgetary increments through IAB
have promoted ongoing research facility upgrades and continuous operation. In April 1980, 16 muskoxen captured on Nunivak Island were taken to the station after a one-year quarantine. Reindeer, moose and caribou colonies were established within three years, though the moose were subsequently moved to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Moose Research Center at Soldotna, Alaska. Current animal colonies consist of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) and domestic reindeer (R.t. tarandus). Most of the animals are tame and therefore extremely useful in nutrition, metabolic, physiological and behavioral studies. Animal recruitment is sufficient to allow studies in reproduction. In 1997, colony size was approximately 70 muskoxen and 70 caribou/reindeer. LARS is located on a former homestead established by Mr. Mike Yankovich, who donated the property to the university on October 12, 1963 "to conduct muskox research". The site comprises 134 acres (approximately 50% pasture, 50% boreal forest), with a centralized handling facility, equipment for large animal restraint, a laboratory, a metabolic research building, feed and bedding storage units, offices and living quarters. Recent upgrades to all fencing and handling areas have greatly enhanced animal and personnel handling safety and increased containment security. The facility is licensed for radio-tracer studies and is inspected for approval of animal research under federal and state authorities. Living accommodations (Earthwatch Cabin, 1987) are available to visiting scientists, graduate students, visiting scholars and interns. Research emphasis includes studies on comparative nutritional and reproductive physiology, endocrine and physiological controls, behavior and energetics, genetics, and disease. These projects involve UAF graduate and undergraduate students, UAF faculty and research associates, visiting scientists and interns. The station also serves in an educational and outreach capacity, providing the opportunity to introduce students – from primary grades to adult continuing education – to wildlife and wildlife research. High school and undergraduate students have the opportunity to conduct research projects under the guidance of university faculty and graduate students. Many UAF biology and wildlife instructors incorporate a visit to LARS as part of their courses. Thousands of people visit LARS each year, using a viewing and informational display area adjacent to the facility, or attending one of the tours of the station conducted during summer. Expansion of the tour and outreach program will begin in 2003, involving development of a new trail and interpretive site and hiring fulltime interpretive guides. Tours are scheduled to run seven days a week during summer. Researchers or educators wishing to use the facility should contact the Director, Institute of Arctic Biology, PO Box 757000, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000. Acknowledgments Drs. George West, Acting Director, IAB and David Klein, Leader, Alaska Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (ACWRU) were responsible for firmly establishing the need for LARS. An initial proposal to the NSF, written by Robert G. White, plus an enthusiastic group of co-investigators (D.R. Klein, J.D. McKendrick, F.S. Chapin, D.F. Holleman, P.W. Flanagan, H.W. Behrisch, A.S. Blix, and R.A. Dieterich), provided funds and the opportunity for the initiation of muskox research in a number of disciplines. The station has been enthusiastically supported through personal interest and funding by succeeding IAB Directors (John Bligh, Francis S.L. Williamson, Robert White and Brian Barnes). This station could not continue to provide the fine level of animal husbandry and health without the technical and personal support of the UAF veterinarians, John Blake and Carla Willeto. Researchers in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Biological Survey and Canadian Wildlife Service support and use LARS frequently. Norma Mosso (ACWRU) was responsible for initiating a promotional sales unit. Finally, a large number of volunteers, too numerous to list here, have provided the core of the support for, and coordination of, the station as its financial support has waxed and waned over the years. |
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