Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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URINARY METABOLITES FOR ENHANCING ECOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS: A WORKSHOP
No full textThis paper provides outlines of 5 sessions in which an overview of various aspects of the use of urinalysis to monitor changes in nutritional condition of free-ranging ungulates was presented at the 35th North American Moose Conference and Workshop, Grand Portage, Minnesota, May 15 - 20, 1999. The sessions included in the workshop were: (1) Establishing the value of urinary urea N:creatinine as a nutritional index in ungulates: research and considerations; (2) Urinary purine derivatives as an index of dietary intake; (3) Scaling physiological models up to the population level; (4) Ecological interpretations for Yellowstone elk and bison populations; and (5) Ecological interpretations for the Isle Royale moose population. Presentations were followed by an audience discussion with the panel of presenters
A GASAWAY-TYPE MOOSE SURVEY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE USING INFRARED THERMAL IMAGERY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
No full textA Gasaway-type aerial moose survey was conducted in northern New Hampshire using fixed-wing aircraft equipped with a Westinghouse WesCam forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensor in place of human observers. The purposes of the survey were to: (1) provide a more accurate estimate of moose numbers; and (2) to begin to validate the ability of a fall hunter survey to accurately reflect changes in the moose population. Sightability was tested in 1995 by flying a number of survey units (SUs) at survey speed and immediately re-flying these SUs at a more intensive rate. Sightability was estimated to be 88%. Mean population density for the area flown was 1.19 moose/km2 ± 27.5% (90% C.I.). The survey will take place annually for 3 - 5 years before validation of the hunter survey is complete. For the state of New Hampshire this survey technique was slightly more expensive but considerably safer than a similar survey using rotary-winged aircraft. In areas with fast changing weather patterns and varied topography this technique can be successfully used in place of the traditional aerial survey which relies on direct visual observation.
EFFECTS OF MOOSE DENSITY ON TIMBER QUALITY AND BIODIVERSITY RESTORATION IN SWEDEN, FINLAND, AND RUSSIAN KARELIA
No full textA long history of forest use and management in Sweden has promoted conifer-dominated forests at the expense of deciduous trees such as Populus tremula, Salix caprea, and Sorbus aucuparia. Moose (Alces alces) area a key species to both with respect to the maintenance of biodiversity associated with these deciduous trees and to the production of good quality Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) timber. For biodiversity of there is a need to restore the deciduous forest component, which is also the preferred food of moose. If the moose/preferred food ratio is too high and hence browsing on the preferred tree species is too intensive, this restoration can be difficult. To study the interactions between the abundance of preferred moose food, moose density, and damage to trees, it is necessary to include landscapes with a broader combination of food abundance and moose density than found just in Sweden. This is necessary as the landscape and management situation in Sweden in rather homogenous, with the same policies concerning forestry and moose management having been implemented. To cover a wide range of relevant factors, a studying covering 8 landscapes in Sweden, Finland, and Russian Karelia was carried out in autumn 1998. Damages on both preferred trees and Scots pine in pine-dominated stands were correlated to moose density. Damages were most severe in Sweden, intermediate in Finland, and least in Russian Karelia. Moose winter densities ranged from 1.7/km2 in Sweden to 0.2/km2 in Russia. The cover of preferred foods (Populus/Salix/Sorbus) increased 13-fold from Sweden to Russia. As a consequence, the proportion of severely damaged and dead individuals of the preferred species increased 36-fold from the least to the most affected landscape. Similarly, damages on Scots pine in pine-dominated stands ranged from 57% in Sweden to 7% in Russian Karelia. Unless damage by moose is reduced in Sweden in the landscapes that we studied, it is doubtful that deciduous vegetation can be maintained, thereby affecting biodiversity. Communication with stakeholders is essential if this socio-economic problem is to be resolved. One feasible model may be co-management case studies based on a holistic landscape view and objective inventory of perceived problems among all stakeholders
REMINISCENCES AND A BIT OF MOOSE CONFERENCE HISTORY
No full textThe North American Moose Conference and Workshop began in 1963 with an informal meeting of biologists in St. Paul, Minnesota. Since 1966 the meetings have been held annually from Alaska to Newfoundland. While still retaining its informal nature, the group began producing written proceedings in 1967. These publications became increasingly substantial, ending in the launching of the peer reviewed journal Alces in 1981. The moose conferences have served an important function in facilitating the exchange of information, especially by providing useful meetings and field trips in different parts of the North American moose range. The Conference membership has helped to organize 4 International Moose Symposia and in the publication of the award winning book Ecology and Management of the North American Moose by the Wildlife Management Institute and The Smithsonian Institution. The accomplishments resulted from the long-term voluntary efforts of a core group centered around Lakehead University and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in Thunder Bay. The Moose Conference continues to flourish and grow after 35 years providing a useful focus for work on all aspects of moose ecology
ANALYSIS OF TISSUE CADMIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN NEW ENGLAND MOOSE
No full textPotentially high cadmium (Cd) levels in moose have raised concern over potential impacts to moose biology and human health risks. Moose liver and/or kidney samples were collected from New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, and tested for Cd levels. New Hampshire samples were collected in 1988, 1989, 1993, and 1998 while those from Maine and Vermont were collected in 1993. There were significant differences in liver Cd levels between sexes and among age categories. Bulls had higher mean levels than cows and there were significant increases in Cd levels with age. Kidney Cd concentrations were approximately 5 times higher than those in liver and regression analysis indicated a significant relationship. Mean liver Cd levels in adult (age 4.5+) bulls from New Hampshire increased significantly from 1988 to 1998 (3.78 vs. 6.17 ppl respectively). No significant difference was found in mean liver Cd levels among states
CADMIUM IN MANITOBA'S WILDLIFE
No full textWe analyzed livers and kidneys of 228 moose, 105 white-tailed deer, 161 elk, 12 caribou, 94 black bear, 31 wolves, and 75 coyotes from Manitoba for cadmium (Cd) levels. Bears has the highest mean concentration (18.89 ± 11.48 μg/dry weight in kidney) followed by white-tailed deer, moose, caribou, elk, wolves, and coyotes (0.31 ± 0.23 μg/dry weight in kidney). Cd levels in renal and hepatic tissues were highly correlated for all species. Concentrations were significantly higher in kidneys than in livers. Except for caribou liver, the concentrations of Cd in livers were positively associated with age of the animals. For black bears, we recorded significantly higher mean concentrations of Cd in females than in males. We found no association between the geographic origin of tissue samples and soil acidity, exposed bedrock, or proximity to anthropogenic sources of Cd. Highly mobile animals, however, likely occupy home ranges that include a variety of habitats, which confounds attempts to identify sources of contamination. Concentration ratios of Cd among trophic levels indicate modest bioaccumulation of the metal for ungulates, high bioaccumulation for black bears, and none for wolves and coyotes. Though the levels of Cd were documented are not life threatening, some animals had concentrations that may be hazardous to humans who consume wild meat. The consumption of liver and kidneys from moose, elk, and deer in Manitoba south of 53° N latitude may lead to a daily intake of Cd exceeding recommended levels. Concern in warranted for the health of First Nation Peoples, particularly those with diabetes who regularly consume organs and meat from wild ungulates
ANTLER SIZE RELATIVE TO BODY MASS IN MOOSE: TRADEOFFS ASSOCIATED WITH REPRODUCTION
No full textBody size and age are highly correlated with antler size, fighting ability, and reproductive success in male cervids. Production of antlers requires energy above that for maintenance of basal functions, and is especially demanding of minerals. In addition to producing antlers, young cervids also incur the cost of completing body growth. Large-bodies males with large antlers invest more in antler development and reproduction at the expense of body condition than do young males. Young males are constrained by the need to complete body growth to attain the body size necessary to compete effectively for females when mature and, hence, invest less in antlers. We tested the hypothesis that adult male moose (Alces alces) produced larger antlers relative to body mass than did younger males. We used regression to compare the ratio of antler length per unit body mass (antler length: body mass) with age. Regression analysis indicated a strong curvilinear relationship (Ra2 = 0.961) between antler length per unit body mass and age. Young males invested less in antlers than older males that had reached a sufficient size to compete effectively for mates; consequently, there was a tradeoff between body growth and antler size. Young males must produce antlers to gain experience in aggressive encounters and establish dominance relationships among their cohort, although investment in antlers is less than that of mature adults. Delaying investment in mating until physically mature and able to compete for females with other large-antlered males is the most successful strategy for maximizing mating success and achieving the greatest fitness in male moose, as well as among other cervids
THINNING RESIDUES AS A SOURCE OF BROWSE FOR MOOSE IN MANAGED FORESTS IN FINLAND
No full textMoose (Alces alces) browsing causes considerable damage in young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands in Finland. In this study, we examined the possibility of increasing moose browse in managed forests by providing cutting residues (i.e., the tops of different tree species) from commercial thinnings made in early or midwinter. The study was carried out in 24 thinned stands in southern and central Finland during 1993-98. Moose browsing on cut tree tops was measured on circular plots, as well as at feeding sites with salt (Na+) stones and on plots where the cut tree tops were raised up from the ground. The biomass of tree tops consumed in the thinned stands was even greater than that measured in young pine stands. The biomass consumption was increased by propping the tree tops against standing trees or rocks. Placing salt stones to attract moose had no effect on browsing on the pine tops raised up at the feeding sites. The phenolic acid concentrations were generally higher in the cut pine tops than in the side twigs of standing trees or in young pines, indicating that the high consumption by moose was not explained by low phenolic acid concentrations. According to the fecal pellet groups, 19-23 moose days/ha were spent in the thinned stands. We estimate that a 10 ha cutting area would provide food during 2 winter months for moose at a density of 1 animal/km2. We conclude that more accessible winter food can be provided by timing the cuttings in early and midwinter
A TELEPHONE QUESTIONNAIRE TO ASSESS MOOSE HARVEST
No full textSince 1985 Alberta Natural Resources Service has used an annual telephone questionnaire to obtain harvest information on big game and game bird species. Telephone calls are handled by members of 100 cooperating resource user groups throughout Alberta. Almost 1,000 club members complete about 75,000 questionnaires each year. Organizations use the program as an annual fund raiser and are compensated CAN $0.50 for each completed questionnaire. The program enables wildlife resource users to participate in wildlife management. Alberta Natural Resources Service benefits by collecting harvest data in a cost effective way and timely manner. The scope and logistics of the program are discussed
DIRECTIONAL ASYMMETRY IN MOOSE
No full textThe structural asymmetry of 1,772 European moose (Alces alces alces) and 5 of Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) skulls was studied by checking the deviation of rostral bones from the midline of the skull roof. A significant directional asymmetry was found. The lingual cusp height of corresponding teeth on the left and right cheek tooth rows different significantly in the skulls with different rostral orientation. The antlers of the 689 best Finnish trophies on record and antlers of all the bulls (n = 239) shot in the Kuhmo Game Management Unit of Finland during the 1995 hunting season (ages 1.5-14.5 years) were tested for left/right differences. No significant differences were found. The fluctuating asymmetry of left/right differences decreased from young to old age classes in antler base circumference, palm/beam length, and tine number. Tine length and circumference did not show significant changes. Obstacle avoidance and feeding laterality was studied along 433.27 km of moose tracks in winter by counting all the trees and bushes on the right and left side of the tracks within reach of the animal. A selection of forest road lane was studied with 769 observed sections of moose tracks in summer. Functional right side preference was observed in both cases