The total area of habitat disturbance associated with mine site and ancillary facility construction is to be mapped annually during the principal construction and operation phases of the mine site using a combination of aerial surveys, photography, ground-truthing (with the aid of GPS), and possibly satellite imagery. The purpose of monitoring habitat disturbance is to compare the disturbance of vegetated areas during construction and operation to baseline conditions and to predict loss or degradation of vegetated habitat areas. The RSA survey methodology involves orienting ten transects (i.e., ~ 50 km in length and spaced every 10 km) in order to better determine whether Caribou or Muskox are using all habitats (both near and far) at similar levels. The aerial survey route has remained consistent across years. With an effective viewing or survey distance of 1,000 m (i.e., 500 m on each side of the aircraft) at 150 m above ground level (agl), approximately 10% of the RSA is covered during the survey. The GPS locations of all wildlife sightings or observations of clearly identifiable wildlife sign (e.g., dens, nests, Caribou craters) are recorded. At a minimum, the number of individuals are recorded and, if possible, information on sex and age class. The sex and age of ungulates is determined by a number of distinctive factors including size, coloring, and antler size and growth. Aerial observers are experienced in determining the sex and age of ungulates, but each employee also receives specific training on how to determine distinctive features related to sex and age under aerial survey conditions.