Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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AQUATIC AREAS PROVIDE HIGH NITROGEN FORAGE FOR MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) IN ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK, MICHIGAN, USA
No full textThe distribution of ungulates reflects spatial and temporal heterogeneity in forage quality and quantity across the landscape. Aquatic habitats have a patchy spatial distribution and are readily used by moose (Alces alces) and other ecotone specialists. However, the importance of aquatic feeding to moose has largely been attributed to acquisition of sodium, with little consideration given to the relative and comparative quality of aquatic and terrestrial forage types. We show differences in forage quality as measured by crude protein content and carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios between aquatic and terrestrial summer forage in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA. Aquatic macrophytes had higher crude protein content and lower C:N ratio than preferred terrestrial plant species of moose. Consequently, measurable consumption of aquatic forage may provide high quality forage in less than optimal habitats. Because the distribution of aquatic habitats on Isle Royale exhibits strong spatial trends, the benefits of aquatic feeding may have spatial influence on the population dynamics of Isle Royale moose
ESTIMATING SUSTAINED YIELDS FOR MOOSE IN CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA USING A PREDATOR-PREY MODEL
No full textOne of the fundamental principles of wildlife harvesting is that it must result in a sustained yield (SY), a harvest that can be taken year after year without jeopardizing future harvests. Predator-prey models are rarely incorporated into estimates of SYs for moose, despite predation of moose by wolf (Canis lupus), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), and black bear (U. americanus) throughout much of western North America. A simple predator-prey model was parameterized from a stable moose-wolf-bear system in central British Columbia during 1987–1998. Modelled moose, wolf, and harvest parameters compared favourably with observed parameters when the annual rate of wolf removal (human-caused wolf mortality) was 31%. SY curves were modelled by incrementally increasing wolf removal rates from 0 to 40% while maintaining selective moose harvests of 16% bulls, 2% cows and 9% calves. SYs displayed an S-shape curve with wolf removal rates, a hook-shape curve with wolf densities, and were linearly related to moose density. Optimal harvests included a moderate harvest of bulls (16–21%), a nil-to-very low harvest of cows (0–0.2%), and moderate-to-high harvests of calves (15–43%) when wolf removal rates were ≥ 20%. Higher cow harvest rates (2%) could be accommodated without substantially lowering SYs if calf harvest rates were reduced. Optimal harvest rates did not improve yields over bull-only hunting when wolf removal rates were 0–10% and management constraints were placed on adult sex ratios. This study supports previous findings that the optimal harvest strategy for moose should primarily target bulls and calves, whereas cows should be harvested minimally. However, for low-density, predator-limited moose populations, bull-only harvests may provide equivalent yields while maintaining higher moose and wolf densities
FORAGE AND HABITAT LIMITATIONS FOR MOOSE IN THE ADIRONDACK PARK, NEW YORK
No full textWe used browse availability models to estimate the number of reproductive female moose (Alces alces) that could be supported during summer and winter in the predominantly forested 23,000 km2 Adirondack Park and Forest Preserve (Park) in northern New York State, USA. We developed allometric equations to predict available browse biomass for individual plants and subsequent biomass estimates in 6 major cover types to estimate the moose carrying capacity within the Park. Our model incorporated the differential availability and nutritional quality of woody browse species within each cover type and changes in local browsing intensity due to competing vegetation under two different foraging constraints – protein and digestible energy. We estimated the carrying capacity as 8 (protein constraint) and 135 × (energy constraint) greater in winter than summer. Spatially-explicit estimates of summer range capacity (Animal Use Days, AUD) based on the protein constraint correlated best with variation in local moose density derived from winter aerial surveys (R2 = 0.75, P < 0.01, n = 18). Protein availability was limiting in summer (AUD = 457 moose) with sparse patches of regenerating forest (< 20 years old) on privately-managed lands estimated to support 86% more moose than the dominant matrix of wetlands and mature mixed-deciduous forest. The small and patchy moose population in the Park reflects the relative scarcity of regenerating forest and optimal foraging habitat. Given statutory constraints of timber harvest in the majority of the Park, active forest management on private inholdings will play an outsized role in managing the moose population
MOOSE USE OF THE MOUNT MCALLISTER BURN IN NORTH-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA: INFLUENCE OF BURN SEVERITY AND SOIL MOISTURE
No full textThe influence of recent wildfires in British Columbia (BC) on moose habitat and its use by moose are understudied, as are prescribed burning strategies that can be used to enhance moose habitat. Our objective was to investigate how 3 classes of fire severity (high, medium, low) interact with 3 soil moisture regimes (hydric, mesic, xeric) in determining how moose use post-fire habitat. In north-central BC, we studied moose use at 2 different spatial levels in the 5-year-old, 26,500 ha Mt. McAllister burn. At the site level, we estimated the density of fecal pellet groups and the percent of plants browsed by moose within plots of varying burn severity and soil moisture. At the landscape level, we investigated use from GPS locations of 7 radio-collared female moose at 3 orders of selection: we compared: 1) randomly distributed locations within the home range to randomly distributed locations throughout the entire burn (2nd order of selection); 2) use locations to randomly distributed potential locations within the home range (3rd order of selection); and daily use locations with potential movement locations (4th order of selection). At the site level, moose used areas of low/medium fire severity and hydric soil moisture. At the landscape level, moose preferred areas of medium fire severity at the daily order, and low/medium fire severity at both the home range and burn orders of selection. Our findings highlight that moose use of post-fire habitat varied by spatial scale and by order of selection and that researchers assessing use of burns by moose should consider multiple levels of investigation. Prescribed burning to enhance moose habitat should focus on low/medium fire severity at sites with mesic soil moisture
SUNNY AND SHADED GROWTH SITES - INFLUENCE ON MOOSE FORAGE QUALITY
No full textFeeding behaviour of moose (Alces alces) was observed in southeast Norway. Neither quantity of important forage species nor soil quality explains moose choice of feeding sites within forest types. Rather variation in forage quality caused by site variation in solar radiation is proposed as a possible explanation for moose choice of feeding sites. Comparing forage quality, moose growth rate and moose feeding behavior during one cloudy and one sunny summer partly supported this hypothesis
SHIRAS MOOSE IN IDAHO: STATUS AND MANAGEMENT
No full textLimited data indicate that Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) occurred in low numbers in Idaho throughout the 19th century. Harvest was allowed in Idaho during 1893-1898, after which seasons were closed. Shiras moose were fully protected in Idaho from 1899-1945. Moose populations increased during the 20th century and harvest seasons resumed in 1946. Harvest has focused on mature males, allowing continued population growth through the end of the 20th century. Rapid population growth during 1980-2000 resulted in moose dispersing westward from the Rocky Mountains and southward from the Panhandle region of Idaho. The management goal for moose in Idaho is to provide opportunities for recreational hunting and harvest of mature male moose. Although some managers assess moose populations directly by aerial survey, most managers rely on indirect measurements (e.g., hunter success rate and antler spread of bulls harvested) to assess the impact of harvest on moose populations. Other population indicators (e.g., dispersal into previously unoccupied areas, damage to private property) have been used as indicators of social tolerance for expanding moose populations. Where moose have approached the limit of social tolerance, attempts to stabilize or reduce populations by harvest of females and translocation of ‘problem’ moose have been utilized. Both a historic perspective of moose abundance and a revised statewide population estimate are provided
WINTER HABITAT USE OF MOOSE IN CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA
No full textAerial survey data collected between 2001 and 2020 were used to assess winter habitat use by moose (Alces alces) in the Greater Highland Ecosystem of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. These data were analyzed using generalized additive mixed models that explored the influence of habitat variables. We compared abundance estimates developed directly from the surveys to those estimated from habitat use. Moose generally occupied the same general area throughout the study despite a marked population decline. Moose favoured areas comprised of greater proportions of coniferous forest showing preference for younger forest, and moose meadows, areas of predominantly coniferous forest but with abnormal or retarded regeneration due to high moose herbivory. Moose occupiedareas farther away from roads inferring that moose preferred areas with younger plant forage and lower human access. The use of long-term survey data coupled with related habitat use relationships provided a useful approach to assess temporal tends in abundance and habitat use of moose in Cape Breton
VULNERABLITY OF YEARLING AND 2-YEAR-OLD BULL MOOSE TO TWO ANTLER BASED HARVEST REGULATIONS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
No full textA spike-fork (S/F) general open season (GOS) for bull moose (Alces alces) was introduced with a lottery draw, limited entry hunting (LEH) in the Omineca (1981), Thompson (1993), and Okanagan (1993) regions of British Columbia. The S/F regulation permitted harvest of a bull having no more than two tines on one antler, including the tines on the main antler and brow palms; the LEH controlled the harvest of bulls with antlers >S/F. In the Peace region, the S/F regulation was implemented (1996) as part of SOFT regulations which permitted harvest of bulls with spike, fork, or antlers with 3 or more points on either brow palm; in 2003, SOFT10 regulations permitted the harvest of bull moose with ≥10 points on one or both antlers. These combinations with the S/F regulation were meant to control annual harvest of bulls, maintain herd social structure, and maximize recreational opportunity. We used age and antler point data collected through a Voluntary Tooth Return Program (VTRP) from 1988 to 2003 (n = 39,325) to assess vulnerability of yearlings (n = 12,743) and 2-year-olds (n = 8,712) to the S/F regulation as well as a hypothetical spike-only regulation. For each age class, we defined potential vulnerability to the S/F regulation as the proportion of bulls in the harvest with S/F antlers when no antler-based restrictions were in place. We similarly defined potential vulnerability to the spike-only regulation as the proportion of bulls in the harvest with at least one spike antler. Potential vulnerability across British Columbia to the spike-fork regulation was 43% for yearlings and 10% for 2-year-old bulls, whereas potential vulnerability to the spike-only regulation was 8% for yearlings and 1% for 2-year-old bulls. Realized vulnerability to harvest of each age class was defined as the proportion of that age class with spike-fork antlers when there were spike-fork regulations combined with either LEH or other antler-based restrictions. Similarly, realized vulnerability to harvest for spike-only bulls in each age class was the proportion of harvested bulls with at least one spike antler when spike-fork regulations were combined with either LEH or as part of the SOFT or SOFT10 regulations. Realized vulnerability across British Columbia to the S/F regulation was 49% for yearlings and 7% for 2-year-old bulls; realized vulnerability to the spike-only regulation was 9% for yearlings and 1% for 2-year-old bulls. Potential vulnerabilities and realized vulnerabilities varied regionally and annually, which may reflect different subspecies of moose (A. a. shirasi, A. a. andersoni, A. a. gigas) with different antler architectures, but more likely, differences related to habitat quality across the latitudinal breadth of British Columbia. The S/F regulation provides hunting opportunity, but combined with other hunting seasons/regulations, may not provide adequate protection of yearling and 2-year-old bulls in some regions. The spike-only regulation exposes fewer yearling and 2-year-old bulls to harvest and offers an alternative to regulate bull harvests while maintaining hunter opportunity
ASSESSING AGE OF HARVESTED MOOSE PRIOR TO POPULATION DECLINES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
No full textMoose populations in parts of British Columbia, Canada have been declining since about the mid-2000s with the licensed harvest dropping by more than half from 1987 to 2014. A tooth reporting program for harvested moose from 1982 to 2003 enabled us to assess the relationship between age of harvested moose and 1) time (1982–2003), 2) level of licensed harvest of bulls and cows, and 3) estimated populations prior to declines with age data collected after decline in the province. We used age data determined from cementum annuli of teeth collected from hunter returns from 72,888 moose (n = 57,376 bulls and n = 15,512 cows). We found average age of harvested bulls and cows to be 3.32 ± 0.02 and 4.99 ± 0.06 years, respectively, similar to ranges reported elsewhere in western North America. Age of bulls declined linearly by year, whereas age of cows declined in the latter half of the study period. The average age of cows harvested from 1983 to 2003 prior to the population decline (n = 2,016; mean = 3.84 years, SD = 3.03) was 7 years younger than that of a small sample of cows dying of multiple causes (harvest and natural) during the decline (n = 47; mean = 10.93 years, SD = 3.72). We acknowledge the logistical and financial constraints required to gather a representative sample of teeth from harvested moose, but recommend reimplementation of a tooth collection program to provide continuous information on the age structure of moose populations to help guide management decisions
MODELING MOOSE HABITAT USE BY AGE, SEX, AND SEASON IN VERMONT, USA USING HIGH-RESOLUTION LIDAR AND NATIONAL LAND COVER DATA
No full textMoose (Alces alces) populations have experienced unprecedented declines along the southern periphery of their range, including Vermont, USA. Habitat management may be used to improve the status of the population and health of individuals. To date, however, Vermont wildlife managers have been challenged to effectively use this important tool due to the lack of fine-scale information on moose space use and habitat characteristics. To assess habitat use, we combined more than 40,000 moose locations collected from radio-collared individuals (n = 74), recent land cover data, and high resolution, 3-dimensional lidar (light detection and ranging) data to develop Resource Utilization Functions (RUF) by age (mature and young adult), season (dormant and growth), and sex. Each RUF linked home range use to average habitat conditions within 400 m or 1 km of each 30 m2 pixel within the home range. Across analyses, the top RUF models included both composition (as measured through the National Land Cover Database) and structure (as measured through lidar) variables, and significantly outperformed models that excluded lidar variables. These findings support the notion that lidar is an effective tool for improving the ability of models to estimate patterns of habitat use, especially for larger bodied mammals. Generally speaking, female moose actively used areas with proportionally more regenerating forest (i.e., forage < 3.0 m) and more mature forest (i.e., canopy structure > 6.0 m), while males actively used more high elevation, mixed forest types. Further, moose exhibited important seasonal differences in habitat use that likely reflect temporal changes in energetic and nutritional requirements and behavior across the year. Moose used areas with proportionally more regenerating forest (i.e., forage < 3.0 m) during the growth period and female moose had strong positive associations with lidar-derived canopy structure during the growth (but not the dormant) period. Ultimately, the resultant maps of habitat use provide a means of informing management activities (e.g., the restoration or alteration of habitats to benefit moose) and policies around land use that may contribute to population recovery