Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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COMPARING STRATIFICATION SCHEMES FOR AERIAL MOOSE SURVEYS
Get PDFStratification is generally used to improve the precision of aerial surveys. In Minnesota, moose (Alces alces) survey strata have been constructed using expert opinion informed by moose density from previous surveys (if available), recent disturbance, and cover-type information. Stratum-specific distributions of observed moose from plots surveyed during 2005-2010 overlapped, suggesting some improvement in precision might be accomplished by using a different stratification scheme. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of using remote-sensing data to define strata. Stratum boundaries were formed using a 2-step process: 1) we fit parametric and non-parametric regression models using land-cover data as predictors of observed moose numbers; 2) we formed strata by applying classical rules for determining stratum boundaries to the model-based predictions. Although land-cover data and moose numbers were correlated, we were unable to improve upon the current stratification scheme based on expert opinion
46TH NORTH AMERICAN MOOSE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP
Get PDF46TH NORTH AMERICAN MOOSE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHO
MOOSE EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH GIANT LIVER FLUKE (FASCIOLOIDES MAGNA)
Get PDFMoose (Alces alces) are abnormal, dead-end hosts of the giant liver fluke Fascioloides magna. The worms migrate extensively in moose causing considerable hepatic tissue damage before eventually dying. Few reach sexual maturity and eggs are seldom, if ever, passed in feces. Occurrence of the parasite in moose depends on the presence of a competent definitive host and suitable aquatic snail intermediate hosts of the genus Lymnaea. There is no clinical evidence that F. magna kills moose although the considerable tissue pathology seen in some heavily infected livers is suggestive that they do. In this study, 2 farm-reared calves (2 months old) and a yearling moose (15 months old) were given 50, 110, and 225 F. magna metacercariae, respectively, and observed for 12.5-16 months. No outward signs of disease were observed. The livers of the 2 animals infected as calves were swollen and contained bloody tracks, extensive fibrosis, and capsules; 1 and 11 immature flukes were recovered. The liver of the animal infected as a yearling had 3 large, thick-walled capsules but no flukes. Weight gain and behaviour of all were similar to those of uninfected farm-reared moose. Known aspects of the biology of this parasite and our experimental results suggest that F. magna is unlikely to have been a major factor in the recent moose decline in northwestern Minnesota
BROCCOLI AND MOOSE, NOT ALWAYS BEST SERVED TOGETHER: IMPLEMENTING A CONTROLLED MOOSE HUNT IN MAINE
Get PDFIn eastern Aroostook County, Maine abundant populations of moose (Alces alces) within an agricultural-woodland setting negatively impact cole crops and incur a high rate of moose-vehicle collisions. Despite increases in antlerless hunting permits and relatively high hunter success rates, the recreational hunting framework was not effective in reducing these negative impacts, and hunter behavior had strained landowner relations and reduced access. Continuing landowner relation problems and loss of access were counterproductive to the effective distribution of hunters and reducing moose abundance. In 2009 a controlled moose hunt was implemented to reduce immediate impacts on cole crops by moose, affect short-term population reduction, and facilitate cooperation and communication among stakeholders. This paper describes the rationale and framework for implementation of the controlled moose hunt, use of a co-managerial approach, and how the hunt addressed moose management goals and objectives. Development and application of this controlled moose hunt in Maine provides managers with another critical tool to affect population trajectory and address tangible social issues associated with moose populations above social carrying capacity
DISTINGUISHED MOOSE BIOLOGIST - 2010 RECIPIENT (Michael W. Schrage)
No full textDISTINGUISHED MOOSE BIOLOGIST - 2010 RECIPIENT (Michael W. Schrage
DISTINGUISHED MOOSE BIOLOGIST - PAST RECIPIENTS
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GIANT LIVER FLUKE IN NORTH DAKOTA MOOSE
Get PDFThe giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) is a parasite of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wapiti (Cervus elaphus) that can cause extensive and conspicuous liver damage in moose (Alces alces), a dead-end host. The implication of F. magna as a factor in the long-term decline of moose in northwestern Minnesota has raised concern that a concurrent decline in moose in northeastern North Dakota may also be linked to this parasite. I reviewed data collected from moose hunter check stations in1977-1984 and necropsy reports of non-harvested animals examined in 1983-1992 to estimate past prevalence of F. magna in moose in North Dakota. I also collected livers from harvested moose in 2002 and 2003 to investigate the current occurrence of this parasite. I also surveyed 78 wetlands at 12 sites in 2003-2006 to examine the potential for F. magna transmission based on the occurrence of aquatic snail intermediate hosts. Flukes or signs consistent with fluke infection were observed in 19.6% of harvested moose (n = 158) in 1977-1984, and in 18.8% of moose necropsied (n = 32) in 1983-1992. Fascioloides magna was not recovered from any of the 78 moose livers collected in 2002 and 2003. However, lymnaeid snails were found at 10 of 12 sites in the aquatic gastropod surveys indicating that the intermediate hosts for this parasite occur widely throughout the range of moose in North Dakota. While this represents the first known report of F. magna in North Dakota, this parasite occurs at relatively low prevalence, and there is no evidence that it has been an important factor in recent moose declines, nor that it noticeably impairs the health of moose in North Dakota. Transmission may be limited by the transient availability of wetlands capable of supporting the life cycle of F. magna
PRUDENT AND IMPRUDENT USE OF ANTLERLESS MOOSE HARVESTS IN INTERIOR ALASKA
Get PDFLiberal antlerless moose (Alces alces) hunts which allow the take of substantial numbers of largely female moose have been controversial and divisive since the Alaska Department of Fish and Game instituted ill-timed, liberal antlerless hunts in the early 1970s that contributed to a precipitous population decline. Thus, we initially found the governing, citizen (non-agency) advisory committees largely skeptical of implementing liberal antlerless harvests in the early 2000s in Game Management Unit 20A (Unit 20A). To help justify the hunts, we focused on presenting information about the notably low nutritional status of the current moose population relative to moose populations worldwide. However, to gain broader credibility and trust, we needed to directly address public perceptions regarding former “mismanagement” of antlerless hunts, including admitting past mistakes that contributed to long-term poor hunting opportunities. We subsequently presented major differences between recent antlerless hunts and those in the 1970s. Specifically, we contrasted relevant circumstances between the 2 time periods, including moose population trajectories, harvest rates of males and females, survey techniques and related technology, winter severity and frequency, and reproductive rates. Illustrating the major, time-period differences in these parameters was key to assuring the public that harvest of female moose could be prudent. By directly addressing public anxieties, we were successful in gaining and maintaining public support for liberal antlerless hunts in Unit 20A. Subsequently, our success in Unit 20A has helped ease recent expansion of antlerless hunts into adjacent areas