Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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PRECISION OF MOOSE DENSITY ESTIMATES DERIVED FROM STRATIFICATION SURVEY DATA
No full textStratified random block (SRB) surveys are commonly used to monitor moose abundance. However, SRB surveys are expensive and time consuming, hence few areas can be surveyed annually and successive surveys in an area are infrequent. We investigated the potential for using only the stratification portion of the SRB survey technique to monitor moose abundance. Our objective was to determine how precisely moose density could be predicted from stratification data. Densities predicted from stratification data were compared with densities estimated from SRB surveys. A simple regression model demonstrated that moose seen per minute on the stratification surveys explains 81% of the variance in moose density. When applied to new data, the regression model predicted moose density with a 90% confidence interval of ± 72 moose per 1,000 km2. Changes in predicted moose density in excess of about 120 moose per 1,000 km2 are statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moose densities predicted from stratification data were not significantly different from SRB estimates in 6 test cases (P > 0.05), but fell outside the 90% confidence intervals of the SRB estimates in 4 of the 6 test cases. Management applications for moose density estimates derived from stratification survey data are discussed
CHANGES IN STRUCTURE OF A BOREAL FOREST COMMUNITY FOLLOWING INTENSE HERBIVORY BY MOOSE
No full textHerbivores have influenced the structure, biomass, and species composition of vegetation in heavily browsed or grazed areas. The introduction of moose (Alces alces) to Newfoundland in 1878 and 1904, and the subsequent closure of hunting with the establishment Gros Morne National Park in 1973 have resulted in current moose densities in excess of 4.0 moose/km2. We hypothesized that browsing by moose has changed the plant species composition, the availability of browse, and influenced forest successional patterns. Browse use, availability, and species diversity indices in 1996 were compared to results of browse surveys conducted during 1977 in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland. In the Park, mean pellet group counts from surveys during 1996 were significantly greater than those of surveys in 1977, and were also greater than in sites located outside park boundaries (P = 0.001 and P = 0.017, respectively). In 1996, the mean browsing intensity was significantly greater than that of 1977. Significant differences (P < 0.001) occurred among proportions of available browse species between 1977 and 1996 at all sites. Species preferred by moose in 1977 decreased in availability by 1996 while species not browsed or browsed infrequently in 1977 increased in abundance. Selection of browse species by moose changed with changing availability of forage. Mean indices of species diversity in 1977 were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than species diversity indices at the same sites in 1996. No significant difference was found between mean indices for 1977 and 1996 in sites of low moose density located outside the Park boundaries. Data suggest that moose have changed species composition, the proportion of available browse remaining, and hence have influenced forest successional patterns within Gros Morne National Park
A SUMMARY OF RESEARCH ON MOOSE AND RELATED ECOLOGICAL TOPICS AT ISLE ROYALE, U.S.A.
No full textThe following summary evolved during the 35th North American Moose Conference, 1999, from a session that reviewed 40 years of moose and related research at Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA. The account here covers this history in more complete detail than was possible at the Conference, and includes studies and accounts that pre-date the beginning of the intensive moose-wolf research under Durward Allen, in 1958. A brief description of the key researchers is included. An extensive list of research papers on moose and moose-related studies at Isle Royale is provided. Also appended in a set of time-comparison photos of vegetation changes influenced by moose and beaver, provided by Philip C. Shelton
ADAPTATIONS OF WINTER TICKS (DERMACENTOR ALBIPICTUS) TO INVADE MOOSE AND MOOSE TO EVADE TICKS
No full textMost North American moose (Alces alces) outside Newfoundland and south of 60° N latitude are infested annually with winter ticks, Dermacentor albipictus. Moose commonly are host to many thousand winter ticks, and tick-associated die-offs of moose are reported often. Larval winter ticks display such behavior as aggregating in clumps on the leeward side of vegetation at heights of preferred ungulate hosts, apparently aiding in their survival and in contacting vertebrate hosts. Moose, in turn, avoid or reduce infestation by ticks by evading tick larvae on vegetations, tolerating tick-foraging by magpies, and grooming to remove ticks. Recent evidence that grooming by African antelope and North American bison and wapiti is regulated by a centrally controlled mechanism that acts to evoke a preventative grooming before ticks can attach and feed, ahs not been supported for moose. This paper reviews host-finding adaptations of winter ticks, pathenogenic characteristics of winter ticks for moose, the relationship between magpies and moose, and the biological basis of grooming in moose
IMPACT OF MOOSE BARK STRIPPING ON MOUNTAIN ASH IN VERMONT
No full textMoose (Alces alces) have always been present in Vermont, but their population began to increase from approximately 25 in 1960 to the present when their population is estimated to be approximately 2,500. The increase in moose numbers began in the northeastern part of the state and has gradually spread south. State wildlife biologists have noticed the loss of American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) in some stands due to bark stripping by moose. Mountain ash fruit is a valuable soft mast resource for other wildlife, notably black bears (Ursus americanus). We assessed bark stripping throughout Vermont, examining 1,535 mountain ash stems at 42 sites. Trees wounded by moose accounted for 27% of the total. There was no bark stripping in the southern part of the state where the moose population is still low, but 1/3 if all trees in northern regions were wounded. A conservative estimate of mortality associated with bark stripping was 7% of all stems >5 cm within a total mortality of 23%. More trees will die in time as the result of pathogen introduction and/or continued girdling. Once girdling reached 3/4 of total tree circumference, the incidence of mortality was higher than expected. Bark stripping on a local scale could be severe; at some sites 3/4 of the total circumference of all stems was girdled. Mortality was significantly correlated with amount of girdling (y = 49.759x + 12.555, r2 = 0.51, P<0.0001). Girdling was significantly correlated with moose activity as measured by pellet group counts (y = 0.0195x + 0.1756, r2 = 0.37, P<0.0001). Amount of girdling or mortality was not correlated with aspect, altitude, tree size, or tree density. Trees on gentler slopes sustained more damage than those on steeper slopes (χ2 = 9.509, P<0.049). There was significantly more moose activity (Z = -2.797, P<0.0052) near logging operations as well as more girdling (Z = -2.018, P<0.044). Mountain ash are protected from moose on steep rocky slopes, and near ski areas (n = 5 sites). However, regeneration may not be able to keep pace with loss due to bark stripping, and an overall decline of the species is expected as the moose population in Vermont continues to increase. Some local stands of mountain ash have already been eradicated
SKELETAL INTEGRITY IN MOOSE AT ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK: BONE MINERAL DENSITY AND OSTEOPATHOLOGY RELATED TO SENESCENCE
No full textWe analyzed the relationships between skeletal condition and senescence using bones of moose (Alces alces) collected at Isle Royale National Park between 1958-1995. We found a significant decline in bone mineral density (BMD) in the cancellous bone of the metatarsus in male and female moose with age, and a significant relationship between low BMD in the long bones and osteoporotic skull lesions, indicating a pervasive loss of bone mass. Furthermore, we found an increase in the prevalence of osteoarthritis, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis after 7 years of age when decline in age-specific survival accelerates. Males experience and earlier decline in survival and an earlier increase in osteopathologies. From an evolutionary perspective, bone status at the time of death may be a consequence of behavioral and physiological strategies that maximize fitness during the prime reproductive years
TIMBER HARVEST AND CALVING SITE FIDELITY OF MOOSE IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
No full textDisturbance, whether natural or human, can limit the ability of individuals to maintain occupancy of preferred habitats over time. If suitable habitat provides for the successful rearing of offspring, then an individual may return to use the same area in subsequent years. Loss of that habitat may have important consequences. To evaluate the effects of timer harvest on moose (Alces alces) populations, 60 adult females have been repeatedly captured and fitted with GPS radio collars in northwestern Ontario annually since 1995. To determine if cow moose return to the same area in subsequent years to give birth, location data collected from the collared moose were used to delineate potential calving sites from 1995 - 98. Areas where distances between successive GPS locations (i.e., distances traveled) were less than 100m for a period of at least 3 consecutive days in May of each year were identified as potential calving areas. The UTM coordinates of the locations comprising each potential calving area were averaged to obtain a central point. Linear distances between these pointes from year to year were used as a measure of site fidelity for individual cow moose. Distances between consecutive calving sites differed between 2 timber harvesting systems that produce different habitat disturbance patterns in the study area. Cow moose that inhabited the 2 areas harvested using small, dispersed patch cuts (80-130 ha) had average distances between annual sites of 2.82 ± 2.37 km (n = 24) and 2.02 ± 1.68 km (n = 11), whereas collared moose in an area that has been contiguously and progressively clear cut averaged 4.87 ± 3.62 km (n = 12) in successive years. These differences are attributable to habitat heterogeneity in the size and distribution of cut and uncut patches within harvested areas and, possibly, differences in the density of suitable calving sites. Collared moose showed a lot of individual variability in distances between consecutive calving sites across both types of logged landscapes and among years. The minimum distance between consecutive sites was only 56 m, and the maximum distance was 12.32 km. Changes in distributions of logging activity, predators, conspecifics, and climate could all contribute to this variability. Regardless of timber harvesting effects, distances between successive calving sites of cows that successfully raised a calf (2.60 ± 2.29 km, n = 30) were significantly less than distances of cows that were not observed with a calf following parturition (4.13 ± 3.04 km, n = 17). Thus, it appears that calving site fidelity of cow moose could be related to past reproductive success. Identification of the specific characteristics that contribute to calving site fidelity, as well as an analysis of the distribution and abundance of potential sites in different landscapes, are needed if preferred calving habitat is to be protected in timber management plans
EXTREME MOOSE DEMOGRAPHICS IN GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK, NEWFOUNDLAND
No full textWe compare demographics and migration between 2 distinct ecoregions within Gros Morne National Park (GMNP) on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula: the highland Long Range Barrens (LRB) and the lowland Coastal Plains (CP). Both ecoregions are well represented in the park and also in a large portion of managed moose areas in the Province. Concurrent with Park establishment in 1973, hunting closure was followed by a local increase in the moose population, which first populated the Great Northern Peninsula in the late 1940's. While no change has been measured in densities of LRB moose in the Park during the past 25 years, densities of 14.6 moose per km2 in 4% (very high stratum) and 6.1 moose per km2 in 29% (high stratum) of the 1998 census area represent a substantial increase for the CP habitat. Calf production and yearling recruitment into GMNP were consistently higher in 1995 - 99 in CP relative to LRB habitat; evidence from herd composition surveys for the emigration of bull moose from the Park is also becoming apparent. For the same period, survival and migration were investigated with the use of VHF collars (n = 76) on calves and adults, and GPS collars (n = 12) on adults (total n = 48 LRB and n = 40 CP). Calf survival to 1 year differed significantly between the 2 habitats, lower in LRB (0.557) than in CP (0.718). In both habitats, the main cause of calf mortality was black bear predation (18% of all collared calves). Yearling survival to 2 years (0.793 LRB and 0.902 CP) and annual adult survival (0.817 LRB and 0.920 CP) also differed significantly between the 2 habitats. Several VHF-animals (at least 17) left the Park boundary, with extreme migration distances (>147 km) in some cases. Four GPS-collared moose left the Park boundary from highland areas in winter. GPS-ranges were consistently larger in LRB than in CP, and LRB ranges were more commonly used in summer. The habitats within the greater Park ecosystem apparently present very different carrying capacities, and GMNP area moose can be considered a single, dynamic population that crosses habitat and management boundaries. As a result, moose experience highly variable survival rates and migration patterns
MOOSE ON KALGIN ISLAND: ARE DENSITY-DEPENDENT PROCESSES RELATED TO HARVEST?
No full textWe studied the demography of a population of Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) that was closed to immigration or emigration of Kalgin Island, Alaska, USA, from 1980 to 1987. This island population experienced neither severe weather nor predation from large mammalian carnivores. Effort and success by hunters was monitored carefully, and the age structure from harvested moose was used to estimate population size during each year. Moose were harvested heavily during permit hunts to reduce the population that had overshot carrying capacity. The estimated population declined from 212 to 8 moose between 1982 and 1986. Harvest was linearly related to population size, but moose killed per unit of hunter effort (CPUE) exhibited a disparate pattern with hunter success initially declining with population size but then increasing dramatically at lower population sizes of moose. The overall age structure of moose became younger as harvest reduced the size of the population. The percentage of moose 3.5 – 5.5, and 6.5 – 12.5 years old declined with population size, whereas 0.5 year-old moose increased as the population declined. Recruitment of yearlings into the population on Kalgin Island exhibited a strong density-dependent response. Our analysis indicated an extremely high intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.35 - 0.44) for those moose. Even with that high productivity, moose on Kalgin Island could not withstand the heavy harvest to which they were subjected, which exceeded maximum sustained yield during the early years to meet initial management objectives. Moose on Kalgin Island exhibited a strong density-dependent response to harvest, and we hypothesize that density-dependent mechanisms interact with harvest, predation, and severe weather to influence other populations of moose in Alaska
CO-MANAGEMENT OF MOOSE IN THE GWICH'IN SETTLEMENT AREA, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
No full textThe Gwich’in of the Northwest Territories play an important role in the management of moose (Alces alces): they have a settled land claim that requires their involvement in wildlife management, they provide valuable traditional knowledge to biologists about moose in an area for which there is little background scientific information, and of the moose harvested, subsistence makes up a majority. A co-management board was established to ensure cooperation between Gwich’in and government agencies in the research and management of renewable resources. Through co-management, there is improved exchange of traditional and scientific knowledge between Gwich’in and agency biologists, there is an increased sense of responsibility for management among Gwich’in, and Gwich’in are more willing to participate in future management activities. Since co-management began in this area, biologists and Gwich’in have design and conducted moose surveys, harvest assessment of Gwich’in hunters, inventory of moose habitat, and documentation of traditional knowledge about moose