Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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MOOSE RELATIONS WITH BIOTIC COMMUNITIES AND MAN IN SAMARSKAYA LUKA NATIONAL PARK
No full textDuring 1985–1990 the density of the moose (Alces alces) population in the peninsular territory (Samarskaya Luka National Park and Zhiguliovski Reserve in the middle Volga Region) was studied. It was found that the natural cyclicity of the population differed between regions. The lowest intensity of oscillation in moose density was in the population nucleus, where the wavelength equaled 5 years. In the interflow areas the wavelength was 2–4 years. Oscillatory dependence of the moose density in the nucleus on the density of other trophic level mammals such as the mountain hare (Lepus timidus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), wolf (Canis lupus), and pine marten (Martes martes) was also evident
FOREST UNGULATES FOUND IN HOLOCENE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIALS FROM THE EUROPEAN NORTHEAST
No full textThe ungulate fauna present in Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Eneolithic Age sites of the Pechora and Vychegda Basins were considerable. These sites differed in archaeological culture and in the type of settlement they represented. Established sites included summer and winter camps, permanent settlements, and temporary campsites. In spite of many changes in natural conditions, moose (Alces alces) were utilized consistently throughout the early and middle Holocene. The significance of this trend for the economy was that it affected the ideology of the human population
COMPARISON OF FIXED-WING AND HELICOPTER SEARCHES FOR MOOSE IN A MID-WINTER HABITAT-BASED SURVEY
No full textWe conducted a mid-winter habitat-based survey in Terra Nova National Park and an adjacent hunted area (Moose Management Area 27) to compare the reliability and accuracy of using fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft for counting moose. Forest inventory mapping was the primary consideration in defining block boundaries because this readily available information could be easily interpreted by observers during aircraft navigation, and because map classes could be chosen in a way expected to reduce variability in moose distribution. Blocks were also classified from forest inventory mapping as being either open (mean crown closure of all stands < 50%), or dense (mean crown closure of all stands > 50%). We tested the precision of fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft for counting moose in blocks with open and dense crown cover by increasing the time spent during second searches with each aircraft type. More moose were seen in open blocks during second searches with increased flying time in both fixed-wing aircraft (100%) and helicopters (160%) than in dense forest cover blocks (12% and 43%, respectively). We also compared the accuracy of the two aircraft types in each crown cover class by recounting the same blocks at a similar intensity. Verifying the accuracy of fixed-wing counts with helicopter searches of the same 8 blocks (the same crew flew approximately the same time), we found that the helicopter counts were on average 78% higher. We conclude that for highest accuracy and best classification of animals during a moose survey, helicopter counting is superior to fixed wing counting
EVIDENCE OF CARRYING CAPACITY EFFECTS IN NEWFOUNDLAND MOOSE
No full textNewfoundland moose (Alces alces americana) increased following 1904, the year of successful introduction, to peak numbers in 1958. The population subsequently decreased to record low numbers by 1973, when an area-quota management system was instituted throughout the island (112,000 km2) in 38 moose management areas, in part, to respond to issues related to habitat and accessibility for hunting. Subsequent quota-management manipulations permitted the islandwide population to increase in accessible areas to record high numbers by 1986, after which populations again decreased, to a 1999 estimate of 125,000 animals (post-hunt). We hypothesise that, unlike most studied irruptions of cervid populations, moose populations in Newfoundland, and subsequently habitat carrying capacity (K), decreased on inaccessible range following 1958 to very low density, from which both have never recovered. Decreases in relative numbers of young moose seen while hunting and during winter classifications are consistent with increases in the number of moose seen during increase phases during 1966–99. These observations are less obvious for less accessible management areas. We explore other recruitment and density relationships as they have been developed in association with our estimate of K in moose for Newfoundland. We illustrate that, although some decrease in moose numbers following 1958 and 1986 was the result of management, changes to population size and to K also resulted in reduction in productivity, such that density dependence explains > 10% and up to 76% of hunter-observed recruitment
HABITAT SELECTION BY MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) IN CLEAR-CUT LANDSCAPES
No full textHabitat selection by moose was studied over 4 years in two large sectors subject to intensive forest harvesting using a two-scale approach. At the coarser scale, i.e. location of the home range within the landscape, habitat selection did not appear to be influenced by the presence of clear-cuts. In one sector, moose preferred mature mixed stands, young coniferous, and mature coniferous stands. In the second sector, the highest preference was noted for cut areas and mature deciduous stands. Moose home ranges were located in areas with higher edge and interspersion among habitat patches. Home range size for females was positively related to the proportion of cuts, but movements were not. Habitat selection was more pronounced at the finer scale (animal locations within home range) and did not differ between sectors. Mixed stands were preferred in all seasons. Mature conifer stands were preferred in summer and in early winter while young conifer stands were preferred in late winter. Clear-cuts were avoided except in early winter. Moose were located in areas closer to edge between food and cover stands than were random locations, especially in late winter. A marked decrease in movements also was noted in late winter. This study shows differences in habitat selection pattern between the coarser and finer scales. For example, clear-cuts did not seem to markedly influence home range location at a coarser scale, and adaptations to minimize their impact seemed to operate at a finer scale. Coarser scale habitat selection was probably linked to a trade-off between predator avoidance and browse availability, whereas seasonal changes suggest behavioural adaptations of moose to maximize energy gain and counteract predation and other adverse environmental conditions at the finer scale
IMPACTS OF WILDLIFE VIEWING ON MOOSE USE OF A ROADSIDE SALT LICK
No full textIn northern New Hampshire, we examined the use patterns of moose visiting a roadside salt lick before (1996) and after (1997-1999) a blind was built specifically to view moose at the lick. Moose visitation patterns were monitored with trail monitors equipped with cameras placed on trails leading into the study and control salt licks. There was no difference in frequency of use and time of use at the study and control sites in any year. Nocturnal use was higher than diurnal use; use was greatest at 2200-2400 and 0400-0600 hours at both sites. Reduced use of the trail closest to the blind indicated that placement of the blind probably altered access patterns of certain moose. A trend in 1998-1999 toward more visits during early morning than peak afternoon viewing time indicated that assessment of viewing opportunity warrants further study
MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) POPULATION CONTROL IN THE URALS
No full textI discuss the spatial dynamics of moose numbers, contemporary hunting practices, and migrations based on the structure of the landscape and subsequent human modification. I conclude that a single population of moose, comprised of subpopulations of non-migratory and migratory animals, inhabits the Urals. An optimal ratio of those groups allows full usage of habitats and high population densities. Existing methods of using the resources of the Urals are considered. Forms, terms, norms, and structural characteristics of removal of animals belonging to different demographic classes are recommended for population productivity to be increased
A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ON THE INFLUENCE OF HABITAT COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE ON MOOSE DENSITY IN CLEARCUTS OF NORTH-WESTERN QUÉBEC
No full textAerial survey data were used to describe moose density changes in relation to habitat composition and structure in clear-cut areas, and to infer the impact of these variables on limiting factors. We hypothesized that moose density would be lower in cut areas due to increased hunting and predation. Four habitat types (food and cover stands, cover stands, cuts, and other habitats) and 7 fragmentation indices were used in our analyses. Aerial surveys conducted in seven 35-112-km2 blocks showed that moose density was related to the proportion of deciduous and mixed (food and cover) stands within each block and edge between food and cover and resinous stands (cover). Density, productivity, and harvest rate were not significantly influenced by clear-cuts. Our results suggest that habitat models should consider food and food-cover border over other habitat components
THE MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SINOAURICULAR AND AURICULO-VENTRICULAR NODES IN MOOSE, CATTLE, PIG, AND HUMAN HEARTS
No full textComparative-anatomic studies on morphometric characteristics of the heart, cardiac circulatory system (CCS), and qualitative estimation of specific volumes of CCS structural components were conducted. It was found that the histologic structure of CCS in the investigated species (moose, calf, pig, and man) differs in size, blood supply, innervation, and in the correlation of specific volumes of conducting and contracting cardiocytes of connective tissue. The original data collected on the structure of moose will help to explain functional characteristics in the moose electrocardiogram
THE IMPORTANCE OF MOOSE TO THE PEOPLE IN THE NORTHERN SUB-URALS DURING THE BRONZE AND EARLY IRON AGES
No full textMoose (Eurasian Elk) are often found at ancient archaeological sites in the Northern Sub-Urals. Moose were an important component of the hunters’ lifestyle as a source of food. Their skins were used for clothing and footwear and to make various household items. Skins were also used to make tents. Moose influenced the life and well being of these ancient hunters and were prolific in their myths and legends. Hunters believed the sun was a gigantic moose “running” over the entire horizon during the day. This investigation is devoted to the interpretation of some moose images and objects, dating to the Bronze and early Iron Age, collected from archaeological sites in the Northern Sub-Urals. The analysis of these images and objects indicated that in ancient times the peoples of this region originally personified the universe as a gigantic moose “mother”. Later, a Tree-of-the-World concept was added to this image. This concept was the foundation for the organization and structure of people’s lifestyles in the Northern Sub-Urals