In March 2009, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) examined the Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut caribou population in West Greenland for body condition and health using CARMA protocols. We collected 40 caribou cows and 10 calves (born spring 2008) from the North region in roughly the area about the Arctic Circle 67° N and 50.5° W. Sukkertoppen Ice Cap forms the southern border of the North region and Nordre Strømfjord the northern border. Similar to the collection made from the Akia-Maniitsoq herd in the spring of 2008, once again the initial data collected included the following; date, location, elevation, sex, age classification (calf, sub-adult (<3-years) or adult) and the presence, absence and condition of antlers, calf-at-heel, milk in udders or calf antlers and gross body measurements (see field data sheet). A photo record for each animal was kept. Important parameters included body, bone, fat and organ weights and measurements, tooth wear, and body condition score. Samples collected included blood, muscle, liver, kidney, urine, rumen contents, bone marrow, bone (mandible, metatarsus), ovaries, foetal tissues, feces, abomasums, small intestine contents, milk, and hair. We checked for a variety of parasites including protozoa, nematodes, tapeworms, flukes and flies (e.g., besnoitia, lung worm and hydatid cysts, liver flukes, liver cysts, Tænia & Sarcocystis cysts, Seteria worms, Sinus tapeworm, warbles & bots). The disease Brucellosis (never observed in Greenland) was assessed by visual appraisal, while blood or fecal samples allowed testing for other pathogens and Johne's disease. Marrow fat content has been completed and retrospective analysis of the ovaries begun. Although not yet complete, intended analyses include tooth ageing, environmental contaminants, nitrogen isotopes in urine blood and muscle, DNA, milk fat, and parasite or disease presence in tissues collected.

Sisimiut hunting officer Hans Mølgaard with caribou on sleds: photo by C. Cuyler
The caribou collection and analysis was funded by GINR and CARMA (CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring & Assessment). Participants included GINR project leader and scientist Christine Cuyler, GINR scientist Josephine Nymand, scientist Karin Orsel (University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) and Rán Þórarinsdóttir
 (Náttúrustofa Austurlands, Iceland), GINR biology assistant Sofie Ruth Jeremiassen, Sisimiut hunting officer Hans Mølgaard and his assistant Akkalo Lyberth, as well as Morten Lyberth the hunting officer assistant from Maniitosq. The skidoos and sleds were provided by GINR and Hans Mølgaard. The Kangerlussuaq International Science Support centre provided accommodation and laboratory facilities. The centre is located at the Kangerlussuaq airport (Søndre Strømfjord).
Sisimiut hunting officer Hans Mølgaard with caribou cow KQ09-04: photo by C. Cuyler