Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
Not a member yet
997 research outputs found
Sort by
USING GPS AND GIS FOR NAVIGATION AND MARK-RECAPTURE FOR SIGHTABILITY CORRECTION IN MOOSE INVENTORIES
No full textTo increase survey efficiency and accuracy we used Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies during a stratified random block survey of moose (Alces alces) in northeastern British Columbia. We used on-board computer mapping for navigations and data recording, and assessed the use of a mark-recapture procedure to correct for moose sightability bias. Aircraft position was visible on a GIS base map on a laptop computer. We used function keys to place numbered labels on the map indicating the sex and age class of the animals observed. The mapping program helped ensure that survey unit (SU) coverage was complete and aided in location decisions close to SU boundaries. We immediately resurveyed 1/4 of each SU at approximately twice the intensity, noting whether animals were seen previously observed or new moose. We calculated a sightability correction factor (SCF) for each stratum (1.31, 1.06, and 1.33 for low, medium, and high density strata, respectively) using standard double sampling methods, and obtained a population estimate about 15% lower than calculated using the mark-recapture based SCF of 1.44. The GPS and GIS technologies we used appeared to enhance survey efficiency, and we recommend these technologies in most survey situations. We also suggest further examination of mark-recapture correction factors and increased efforts to test aerial sightability models.
MOOSE AND FOREST ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT: THE BIGGEST BEAST BUT NOT THE BEST
No full textOver the last few decades, forest policies regarding wildlife habitat have evolved from featured-species oriented management to the consideration of a broader scope of interests. Ecosystem management is already or will be applied soon in many jurisdictions. A few have set habitat objectives for moose and other species, and some plan to establish relationships with population levels. Others try to define methods to plan forest interventions to imitate nature of to take into consideration the needs of the various forest resource users. Both spatial and temporal multi-scales have to be defined to implement a habitat management strategy based not only on natural boundaries, but also on the concerns of forest users. Moose habitat management has to be subordinated to biodiversity objectives and social needs, such as sustainable food supply for the Native peoples or a satisfying hunting experience for moose hunters. Adaptive management, adequate funding, and involvement of forest and wildlife users are necessary to reach these goals
EFFECTS OF SELECTIVE HARVEST ON MOOSE POPULATIONS OF THE BAS-SAINT-LAURENT REGION, QUÉBEC
No full textSelective hunting, based on the protection of a portion of cows, was implemented beginning in 1994 in Hunting Zone 2 located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Québec. Using an aerial survey carried out in the winter of 1997, the impacts of this management measure on the moose population and its harvest hunting were evaluated. Contrary to expectation, the winter moose density, estimated at 1.8 ± 0.3 moose / 10 km2 (α = 0.10), has remained unchanged since the precious survey carried out in 1991. However the structure of this population has changed. Bulls, which had represented 28.0% of the winter population in 1991 only represented 15.8% in 1997. In sharp contrast, the percentage of cows in winter increased from 41.4% to 51.8% between 1991 and 1997; this difference is significant (1-tailed Z test, P < 0.001). The percentage of bulls among adults fell from 40.3% to 23.4%, which is below the target value of 30%. Despite this imbalance in the sex ratio, the productivity of this population was excellent, with a winter ratio of 62 calves per 100 cows. Moreover, this ratio was not statistically different from that observed in 1991 (74 calves: 100 cows; P > 0.05). productivity in the fall, prior to the hunting season, has remained stable since the introduction of selective hunting, with a ratio of 73 calves per 100 cows as comparted to 68 calves per 100 cows. It was hypothesized that the better survival of cows allowed a greater number of them to achieve their full reproductive potential. The overall harvest rate seemed higher in the fall of 1996 (27%) than it was in the fall of 1990 (25%) even though the harvest of cows was cut in half. This increase in the harvest rate was not due to selective hunting, but rather to a 2-day extension of the hunting season which resulted in an additional harvest of 2.6%. the harvest rate for bulls, estimated at 57.5%, was very high and exceeded the initial forecasts in the management plan, which set this rate at 35%. This situation was attributed to the fact that the quotas placed on cows have resulted in a transfer of hunting pressure, mainly towards bills and, to a lesser extent, towards calves. Nevertheless, selective harvest has improved the recruitment of calves and the population now has a growth rate that is superior to what it was prior to 1994 (λ = 1.053). however, sport hunting largely offsets this clear growth in the fall population. In conclusion, it is expected that the winter population of this hunting zone will increase more slowly than forecasted in the management plan. Moreover, the effects of selective hunting will be positive provided that the firearm-hunting season continues to be after the main rutting period of moose
VARIATIONS OF CADMIUM LEVELS IN MOOSE TISSUES FROM THE ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE REGION
No full textIn the fall of 1986. 1,147 samples of kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle of 508 moose (Alces alces) and 38 black bears (Ursus americana) from Abitibi-Témiscamingue in western Québec were analyzed. The cadmium levels measured in the liver and kidney samples made it possible to establish the distribution of cadmium in the regional environment. As has seen shown in other studies, cadmium concentrations in these tissues increases with age, can differ according to sex, and can vary greatly according to the area sampled. Three homogenous contamination sectors were identified: the highest contamination unit is directly inflected by a copper smelter. The cadmium levels in Abitibi-Témiscamingue are the highest measured in Québec and elsewhere: the mean value (μg/g) ± SE (range) was 72.4 ± 3.9 (0.0 - 440.1) in the kidneys, 11.2 ± 0.7 (0.4 - 232.1) in the liver, and 0.023 ± 0.007 (0.000 - 1.930) in the muscles. In the high contamination zone, we had analyses done on liver and kidney samples from 38 black bears. The cadmium concentrations turned out to be higher than those in moose, namely 282.6 ± 126.0 (55.6 - 572.2) in the kidneys and 22.6 ± 17.6 (2.1 - 70.9) in the liver. A sulfuric acid plant has been in operation at the copper smelter since 1989, which has reduced cadmium emissions significantly. In the fall of 1995, we had analyses done on kidney samples of 35 moose calves from 2 different contamination sectors to make a comparison with the 1986 results. The average cadmium concentrations did not vary during this period in the 2 different sectors. We propose an inexpensive, yet efficient method that would allow us to monitor changes in contamination levels over time
SOME CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING FEMALE MOOSE CALLS DURING THE RUTTING PERIOD
No full textBetween August 15 and October 31, 1984, in the Parc de la Jacques-Cartier, up to 53 female moose (Alces alces) calls were heard daily. These calls peaked at the end of September and beginning of October. The majority of calls heard when moose were visible, were emitted by females who appeared to run away from males. We suggest that female vocalizations to attract males, are not as useful in high densities as at low densities. Also, we suggest that females were in a post-estrous period and no longer available for mating when heard
THE IMPACT OF TWO LARGE FOREST FIRES ON MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) HARVESTING
No full textAfter the large forest fires on the Québec Côte-Nord in the summer of 1991, a study was conducted to determine the impact on the moose harvest, and the behavior and perception of moose hunters. Two areas were studied, corresponding to the fires of Forestville and of Betsiamites, where we compared the harvest before (1986 to 1990) and after the fires (1991 and 1992). Questionnaires (n = 522) were sent to hunters who had hunted in these areas between 1988 and 1992. In the fall of 1991, the harvest was reduced by up to 50% in the burned zones and had increased in the zone which bordered on the fires. The composition of the harvest did not seem to change. In 1991, some hunters decided not to hunt or to distance themselves from the burned zones. This resulted in a marked decrease in the use of the burned zones in 1991. Changes in hunters’ habits may explain the observed changes in the harvest. An important factor in hunters’ decisions was hunting lodges damaged or destroyed by the fires. In 1992, the utilization and the harvest of burned zones was starting to reestablish itself to the levels recorded prior to the fires. Following the fires hunters did not notice any important variations in the abundance of moose, but they did notice a reduced presence of other hunters in the burned zones. Large forest fires nay have a very short term impact (1 year) on the moose harvest and a short term (2 years) impact on the behavior and perception of hunters
THE PROTECTION OF COWS: ITS IMPACT ON MOOSE HUNTING AND MOOSE POPULATIONS
No full textSelective harvest of moose (Alces alces) was re-introduced in Québec in 1994 following 30 years of liberal hunting regulations in which all segments of the population were harvested. The aim of this regulatory change was to increase the population by 31 - 15% over a 5-year period while maintaining hunting activity and improving its quality. New hunting regulations were established in cooperation with users following public hearings and meetings with hunter representatives. It was agreed that all hunters would be allowed to harvest bulls and calves but that harvest of cows would be managed through the issuance of special cow permits. Five harvest scenarios were adopted according to population status in each hunting zone and management objectives agreed upon with hunters: (1) cow harvest <10%; (2) no harvest of cows for 5 years; (3) no harvest of cows for 2 years and a 10% harvest rate thereafter; (4) no cow harvest in alternate years; and (5) non-selective harvest. One or two hunting zones that were representative of each scenario were chosen for comparison among scenarios. Regulation changes resulting in increased moose populations were favored by 78% of hunters consulted in a mail survey, and 54% of people in public hearings. Implementations of selective harvest, in 1994, was accompanied by a 9% reduction in hunter numbers, 7% of which was attributed to this regulatory change. However, the number of hunters stabilized starting in the second year. The initial decline in hunter numbers was greatest in the zones where the harvest of cows was subjected to the strict quotas. Correspondingly the sport harvest fell 16% in 1994. The decline was greatest (30-40%) in those zones where hunters were prohibited from harvesting cows and least (7%) in the zone where special cow permits were issued. During the plan it was difficult to sufficiently limit the number of cow permits so as not to exceed harvest quotas due to the very high success rate of hunters with special permits. This suggests that they had access to females spared by hunters without a special permit and that some of then possibly registered cows killed by other hunters. The harvest of bulls increased beginning in 1994, remained high for 1 or 2 years, then tended to decline. Overall, the harvest of calves rose by about 6%. Hunting success stayed stable or slightly increased during the plan despite selective harvest. The population sizes did not increase significantly (1.6%) per year where special permits were issued but increased rapidly and significantly (16.6%) per year in zones where all cows were protected. The proportion of bulls in the population has declined in all but 1 zone and the number of calves per 100 cows has increased in most zones. However, population structure changes were generally not significant. After 4 years of selective harvest the overall results appear positive. The number of hunters has stabilized, and harvest, hunting success, and moose populations have returned to prior levels or have increased. Aerial surveys suggest that the imbalance in the sex ratio resulting from the protection of cows does not appear to have impacted productivity
AN EVALUATION OF MOOSE HARVEST MANAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
No full textMoose (Alces alces) harvest strategies employed within 19 Game Management Zones (GMS’s) of central and northern British Columbia during the mid-1990’s were reviewed and evaluated. Passive harvest controls, including long bull-only seasons, were primarily used in northern GMZ’s where moose densities and hunting pressure was low, and predator populations were lightly exploited. A mix of passive and active harvest controls for bulls, cows, and calves were used in most of the remaining GMZ’s where moose densities and hunting pressure were higher. The effectiveness of the various harvest controls were evaluated from 5 performance indicators. Overall, the harvest strategy that sustained the greatest hunting pressure, harvest density, and harvest rates, while maintaining desired hunting effort and post-season bull/cow ratios, was the strategy employed within the Omineca Sub-Region. This strategy provided a general open season to harvest spike-fork or “immature” bulls and calves, combined with a limited entry hunting season for mature bulls and cows. Several preliminary yield-density curves were proposed. Where predator populations were reduced through hunting and trapping, moose harvests ranged from 22 kill/1,000 km2 at a post-season density of 300 moose/1,000 km2 to 53 kills/1,000 km2 at 700 moose/1,000 km2. Moose harvest management was hindered by insufficient survey data, lack of reliable harvests. In British Columbia, moose management objectives should focus on maintaining appropriate adult sex ratios, providing a diversity of hunting opportunities, and optimizing recreational days per moose harvested, as opposed to traditional objectives associated with population size, harvest, hunter numbers, and hunter days which have either not been achievable or measurable
MOOSE HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICALLY-CHALLENGED HUNTERS IN ONTARIO: A PILOT STUDY
No full textA 7-year pilot study was conducted in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 11B in northwestern Ontario to increase moose (Alces alces) hunting opportunities for physically-challenged hunters by providing and early fall gun season. The definition of a physically-challenged hunter was a person with permanent impairment of the lower limbs that limited movement to wheelchair use only. Each physically-challenged hunter was allowed to use an assistant to assist with racking, field-dressing, and dispatching a wounded animal. Participants were required to participate in the regular adult validation tag draw system to obtain an adult tag or to hunt for calves only. Up to 10 physically-challenged hunters participated in the hunt each year. No more than 2 moose were harvested during the early season in any year. The program was well received by local hunters but attracted very few hunters from outside of the vicinity. There was considerable interest in broadening the program both geographically and by the definition of physical disability. Implications of such an expansion are discussed
CARDIAC REACTIONS IN THE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG MOOSE
No full textUsing a method of telemetrical electrocardiography 40 young domesticated moose were studied in conditions approximating the natural environment at the experimental moose farm in the Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve. An environmental physiological estimation of the ontogeny of the behavioural and emotional reactions of moose calves was done. The cardiac rhythm stabilization at value characteristic for adult animals occurred at the age of approximately 3 months. Young moose motions such as walking or pasture increased heart rate by 30-50%. Emotional positive and negative reactions are attended by cardiac chronotropic effect. The most pronounced heart rate increment (up to 250 beats per minute) was found at nursing