Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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ECOTHERMIC RESPONSES OF MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) TO THERMOREGULATORY STRESS ON MAINLAND NOVA SCOTIA
Get PDFThe size of the mainland Nova Scotia moose (Alces alces) population has declined precipitously over the last several decades and their current distribution is discontinuous. In recognition of the state of its moose population, Nova Scotia declared moose as ‘endangered’ under Nova Scotia’s Endangered Species Act in 2003. A variety of factors have been attributed to the decline, and the goal of this project was to determine whether thermoregulatory stress may be impacting the viability of the moose population. Location and temperature information were collected from GPS-collared moose to test predictions related to whether moose behaviour changes in response to high temperatures. Overall, our results suggest that moose exhibit behaviours (i.e., ectothermy) that are consistent with thermoregulatory stress, but the actual impacts of this, if any, on population productivity requires further study. The greatest response occurred in the summer during both day and night, when moose moved to areas of lower ambient temperature. Further, overall movements were significantly reduced during periods of high temperatures
DISTINGUISHED MOOSE BIOLOGIST - 2011 RECIPIENT (Kjell Danell)
No full textDISTINGUISHED MOOSE BIOLOGIST - 2011 RECIPIENT (Kjell Danell
POTVIN DOUBLE-COUNT AERIAL SURVEYS IN NEW BRUNSWICK: ARE RESULTS RELIABLE FOR MOOSE?
Get PDFFollowing the rapid decline of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across northern New Brunswick in the late 1980s, the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources began to utilize a double-count helicopter survey to estimate deer numbers. Although the survey was designed for deer, moose (Alces alces) sightings were also recorded; however, no analysis was conducted on the accuracy or usefulness of these data to estimate moose numbers. The survey design was a modification of the Potvin double-count survey method for deer which accounts for most caveats to aerial surveys. This double-count (mark-recapture) technique allows calculation of bias for both observers, for single and groups of moose, and individual flights. Moose population estimates calculated from 79 flights ranged from 0.17-3.49 moose/km2 and were similar to a variety of estimates throughout North America. Population estimates from 2004-2009 correlated well with corresponding 2009 population indices for moose based on number of moose seen by deer hunters (Corr. = 0.725, P <0.001). The Potvin estimates in Wildlife Management Zone 2 were highly correlated (0.82-0.93, P <0.05) with other indices based on road kill moose, moose sightings, and harvest success rates; moose sightings and hunter success were also correlated in several other zones. This analysis indicates that Potvin surveys produce reliable population density estimates of moose in boreal/Acadian forests, given that the sighting probability is >0.4 and flights occur before mid-February when moose may occupy denser canopy cover
REVIEW OF DEER KED (LIPOPTENA CERVI) ON MOOSE IN SCANDINAVIA WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR NORTH AMERICA
Get PDFThe deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is an Old World dipteran ectoparasite of moose (Alces alces) and other Cervidae. It has undergone significant expansion in distribution on moose of Scandinavia in recent decades. This has been accompanied by much published research dealing with the range expansion and possible factors involved, problems for moose, exposure of northern populations of reindeer (Rangifer rangifer tarandus), and public health issues. Apparently, Lipoptena cervi was introduced into northeastern United States in the late 1800s, presumably on an unknown species of European deer, and it soon spread to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We review the current situation in Scandinavia and North America and document the first record of L. cervi on moose in northeastern United States
PERCEPTIONS OF MOOSE-HUMAN CONFLICTS IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Get PDFUrban expansion produces obvious and deleterious ecological effects on wildlife habitat. Land development plans continue to be approved in Prince George, British Columbia, both within and on proximate land that is occupied by moose (Alces alces). We surveyed 100 residents of Prince George to determine how they perceive potential conflicts with moose and compared those perceptions with available local data. The majority (~75%) indicated that there were <50 moose-human encounterswithin Prince George in any given year; however, 222 moose-related reports occurred from April 2007-March 2008. This discrepancy indicates that the public probably underestimates both the presence of moose and moose-human conflicts in Prince George. We did not find that outdoor enthusiasts were more knowledgeable than others about managing moose-human conflicts, suggesting that broad public education and awareness programs are warranted. Understanding how to respond to moose and developing a “Moose Aware” program were two suggested strategies to reduce conflict. The vast majority of residents (92%) enjoy moose and want moose to remain part of the Prince George environment; only 9% were in favour of euthanasia or sharp-shooting to resolve conflicts. Because 40% indicated that the best option was leaving moose alone, managers will need to develop more effective strategies to minimize and manage moose-human conflicts
DISTRIBUTION AND PREVALENCE OF ELAEOPHORA SCHNEIDERI IN MOOSE IN WYOMING
Get PDFElaeophora schneideri causes disease in aberrant hosts such as moose. Documented E. schneideri infections in moose are relatively rare, yet noteworthy enough that individual cases describing morbidity and mortality have been the norm for reporting. Surveillance efforts for E. schneideri in Wyoming moose in the 1970s found zero cases, but since 2000 several moose in Wyoming discovered dead or showing clinical signs of elaeophorosis have been found infected with E. schneideri. In 2009 we searched for worms in the carotid arteries of 168 hunter-harvested moose from across Wyoming to determine the prevalence and distribution of E. schneideri in moose; 82 (48.8%; 95% CI: 41.4-56.3%) were positive for E. schneideri. Prevalence did not differ between sexes or among age classes but there was difference in prevalence among herd units (range = 5-82.6%). Intensity of infection (range = 1-26 worms) did not differ between sexes, among age classes, or among herd units. Our findings indicate that moose do not succumb to the parasite to the extent previously thought. Prevalence and intensity were constant across age classes, suggesting that infected moose are surviving and an acquired, immunological resistance to further infection develops. In addition, moose might sometimes act as natural hosts to the parasite, as indicated by 1) high prevalence of infection in moose in areas where sympatric mule deer had much lower prevalence of infection, and 2) preliminary necropsy findings that revealed microfilariae in skin samples from 3 moose. However, negative impacts to moose and moose populations cannot be ruled out entirely, as this study was limited to apparently healthy hunter-harvested animals. While moose appear to often survive infection with E. schneideri, prevalence of ~50% is still cause for concern because it is unknown to what extent this parasite causes subclinical effects in moose that might impact recruitment or productivity. Subsequent research on moose herds where E. schneideri occurs should consider the effects of elaeophorosis and attempt to clarify its role
FIRST NATIONS’ MOOSE HUNT IN ONTARIO: A COMMUNITY’S PERSPECTIVES AND REFLECTIONS
Get PDF Moose (Alces alces) hunting and other means of forest food production employed by members of First Nations communities are undertaken as part of their treaty rights in Ontario, articulated in specific nation-to-nation agreements with the Government of Canada on behalf of the British Crown. Aroland First Nation in Northwestern Ontario is party to Treaty 9 (1905), which overtly protects the community’s rights to hunt throughout the unoccupied tracts of Crown land claimed as “traditional territory.” Traditional use supersedes provincial authority and, as such, is not managed by provincial policy or regulation. This jurisdictional divide has presented an interesting history and many challenges for both provincial managers and First Nations land users. Strained relationships between provincial authorities and First Nations, emergent from decades of misunderstandings of jurisdictional authority, have presented difficulty in all aspects of natural resource management. In this paper, we engaged community-based researchers in an exploration of the community’s perspective of the current and historical management regime. We also quantified the annual moose harvest by the First Nation, an assessment that is never undertaken by provincial managers; our results show a 40% error in provincial calculations. This error could have significant implications for future moose populations, as well as wildlife managers and both provincial and First Nations hunters. In collaboration with community members, we interpret the results, discuss implications, and provide recommendations for future consideration
ASSESSMENT OF MOOSE WINTER HABITAT CONDITIONS IN WESTERN WYOMING
No full textABSTRACT: Over the past two decades, wildlife managers in Wyoming have documented that moose (Alces alces shirasi) populations within the 8 herd units of western Wyoming are declining. A recent study indicated that habitat conditions were the primary factors responsible for moose declines in at least one herd unit. As the first component of a larger effort to systematically assess moose winter range habitat throughout Wyoming, we assessed habitat for the Jackson and Sublette moose herds in 2007-2009. Winter ranges were assessed with a landscape approach to cover the area quickly using: 1) habitat mapping, 2) photo-documentation of willow and aspen communities, 3) risk/ succession assessment of aspen stands, and 4) detailed vegetation monitoring using Live Dead Index transects. Within the Jackson Moose Herd Unit focus area, a total of 105,574 acres were evaluated and delineated into 403 habitat patches with specific vegetative data collected on 52 representative transects. A total of 48,617 acres were assessed and delineated into 301 habitat patches with detailed vegetation data collected on 54 representative transects for the Sublette Moose Herd Unit. Treatment prioritizations were made based on vegetation data. Our data indicate that willow and aspen habitats are being over used and/ or are in decline in our study areas. The majority of the willow regeneration is not able to escape the browse zone as a result of current and historic browsing levels. Many aspen habitats are successionally advanced to include conifers and aspen regeneration is not successfully growing through the browse zone. These moose habitat inventories and assessments will be used as a template for implementing future moose habitat enhancements in Wyoming. Management implications and the potential for wildlife and habitat managers to work cooperatively to ensure sustainable habitats are discussed