Alces (A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose)
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OVIPOSITIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND FECUNDITY OF DERMACENTOR ALBIPICTUS (ACARI:IXODIDAE) FROM MOOSE
No full textThis study documents measures of productivity, under laboratory conditions, of winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) from Ontario moose (Alces alces). The data are used to understand variation in productivity of winter ticks in different parts of their range. The data will also be baseline data for estimating the number of larval ticks available to Ontario moose in the wild and to identify variables affecting availability of larval ticks to moose. The mean preoviposition period for engorged female winter ticks that had fed on captive moose was 13.5 and 8.8 days at 20°C and 24°C, respectively. The mean oviposition period for 40 females held at 24°C was 30.8 (15-36) days. maximum mean daily production of eggs 655) occurred on day 5 of the oviposition period. Production and hatching of eggs in a variety of treatments that took into account possible influences of temperature, whether or not the ticks were from a moose with prior exposure to winter ticks, and whether or not the female ticks were disturbed daily during oviposition to collect eggs. Mean numbers of eggs laid/female varied between these treatment groups (6,263-8,255) and were about 50% higher than previously reported for D. albipictus. Times of development in the laboratory for D. albipictus from moose in Ontario were similar to values for winter ticks from other hosts and areas
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BLOOD-SERUM VARIABLES AND DEPTH OF RUMP FAT IN ALASKAN MOOSE
No full textWe studied the relationship between maximum depth of rump fat determined from ultrasound measurements an 22 blood values for Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) by sampling 38 pregnant, adult females. Moose were immobilized, and blood was drawn simultaneously with the determination of depth of fat rump during 1-4 March 1996. Multiple-regression models were used to detect relationships between blood-serum variables and depth of fat. Four of 22 blood-serum variables were removed to control for multicollinearity. Remaining variables were regressed against induction time (X̄ = 6.1 min, SD = 4.4 min). Glucose, sodium, and blood urea nitrogen were correlated with induction time (R2a = 0.27, P = 0.010) and likely represented a response to handling; these blood values also were removed from the final regression model. Mallow’s Cp statistic indicated the most appropriate regression model included only 2 variables. Creatinine (X̄ = 2.08 mg/dl, SD = 0.26 mg/dl) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (X̄ = 79.10 U/l, SD = 13.61 U/l) met all necessary assumptions and explained a portion of the variability observed in fat depth. (X̄ = 1.5 cm, SD = 1.0 cm). Thus, our final model was: maximum depth of rump fat = 0.28 + 1.68(creatinine) - 0.03(AST). This model was significant (P = 0.0002) and accounted for 33.7% (R2) of variability observed in fat depth. Partial regression coefficients for creatinine and AST were 0.222 (P = 0.0025) and 0.0150 (P = 0.006), respectively, and indicated that creatinine was slightly more influential than AST in the model. These blood variables may provide insights into the predicted condition of moose and the response of moose to environmental conditions. A model using blood variables thought to be indicators of physical condition (protein, phosphorus, and calcium) did not explain significant variation in maximum depth of rump fat
MOOSE CONSERVATION IN CHINA: CHALLENGES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
No full textStudies of Manchurian moose (Alces alces cameloides), one of China's species of deer, are scant. Available data indicate that moose numbers and distribution in China are declining. Population estimates in the 1980’s is half of that in the 1970’s, with an average annual decline of 6.3%. In the Greater Khingan mountain range, moose are relatively abundant and account for 70% of the total. In the Lesser Khingan mountain range however, moose seem to be isolated into 3 local populations, each with an effective population size of less than 500 individuals. Viewed in the long term, moose in Lesser Kinghan will have difficulties increasing densities, and may become more isolated by increasing human disturbance. One hundred Years ago, the forested moose range of Manchuria covered more than 70% of the landmass, but by the 1980’s this forest cover was reduced to only 35%. In the 21st century, the human population in China is predicted to peak between the years 2030-2040 resulting in a continued deterioration in the natural environment. Thus, during the next 40 years, conservation and management of moose in China will be under severe pressure. As far back as the 1960’s, the Chinese government realized this problem and made efforts to protect moose, both through legislation and management of forests for moose habitat. Ten natural reserves were established on loose range, and four others are in the planning stages. The objectives of forestry have been changed from timber production to sustained development which includes improvement of the environment, wise use of resources, extensive reforestation, forest protection, intensive management, and better living standards for local people. Undoubtedly some of these measures will benefit moose and their habitat. However, the primary problems for most conservation in China continued to be lack of funding, week public awareness, and little international involvement
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MOOSE NUTRITION OF THE ANADYRSKY AND OMOLONSKY POPULATIONS (FAR NORTHEAST) IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
No full textFood habits of moose (Alces alces) were studied for 6 years in northeastern Russia in the Anadyrsky and Omolonsky populations. Moose ate twigs, bark, leaves, and needles of trees and shrubs, herbs, and mushrooms. In May and June moose in the Anadyrsky population ate twigs of 16 species of trees and shrubs, and 8 species of herbs, mainly Gramineae. Moose in the Omolonsky regions ate 9 species of shrubs and trees, mainly Salix, and 9 species of herbs again mostly Gramineae. Herbs dominated the July-August diet of both populations. At Anadyrsky 40 species were taken and at Omolonsky 30 species were taken, mainly aquatic and marsh plants. In autumn and winter in both areas, moose switched to twigs, tree bark, and mushrooms. Food habits of moose in this region resembled North American diets, especially use of aquatic and marsh plants. Calculations of available forage indicate that 6,000-6,500 moose could exist in Chukotka
A REVIEW OF MOOSE FERTILITY IN RUSSIA
No full textInformation on fertility of moose (Alces alces) and survival rate of calves in Russia is reviewed. The potential fertility of moose averages 1.3 (1.1-1.6) embryos per pregnant female. The percent of dry cows is variable, but usually does not exceed 35%. Annual calf mortality reaches 60-80%. Potential recruitment rate is near 40%, but is generally close to 30% by autumn, and drops by 10-15% in spring
A SIGHTABILITY MODEL FOR MOOSE IN UPPER MICHIGAN
No full textWe constructed s sightability model for a fixed wing aerial survey of moose in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The probability of sighting decreased if the animal was bedded, in heavy cover, or in a group of size <3. Presence or absence of calves did not affect sightability, although presence/absence of calves data were not consistently collected. There was some evidence of differences in sightability between observers
PREDICTING BODY MASS OF ALASKAN MOOSE (ALCES ALCES GIGAS) USING BODY MEASUREMENTS AND CONDITION ASSESSMENT
No full textThe ability to predict body mass (BM) of moose in the field using simple morphometric induced would be useful in assessing numerous aspects of moose biology and management. Previous studies have used length and girth measurements but generally have ignored estimates of condition as potential predictors. We evaluated the efficacy of adding a subjective condition class (CC) index to mass-length regressions to improve estimates of body mass; we also evaluated the repeatability of standard morphometric measures. Total length (TL) was a significant but poor predictor of BM and exhibited non-constant variance of residuals. Chest girth (CG) was a better predictor of BM, but the best single predictor was TL*CG2. The addition of CC to the regression improved the fit and reduced the standard error of the estimate. Total length of CG of 5 moose measured repeatedly over a 3-week period varied considerably, with coefficients of variation ranging from 1.9-5.5%. This variation is attributed to the difficulties associated with positioning moose for precise measurement in the field. Morphometric models assessed in this study are useful for predicting BM of moose generally but are not precise enough to predict seasonal changes in mass of mature moose
PRECISION AND BIAS OF AERIAL MOOSE SURVEYS IN NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
No full textThe Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (MDNR) has conducted aerial surveys to estimate moose (Alces acles) numbers each year since 1960. A modified version of the survey protocol was developed in Alaska to estimate moose numbers was adopted in 1982. Most numbers and age/sex ratios were estimated from transects flown within a random sample of stratified survey plots. Portions of some survey plots were resurveyed more intensively to determine whether moose were missed in the initial survey. Data from the intensive survey were used to calculate a sightability correction factor (SCF). While more robust than earlier protocols used in Minnesota, this methodology had several shortcomings. Precision of the population estimates (90% C.I.) ranged from ±21 to ±125% and annual changes in moose numbers and bull:cow ratios were not statistically significant. Annual changes in the calf:cow ratios were significant, however. Imprecision of survey estimates was usually the result of incorrect stratification. A single mis-stratified plot dramatically reduced precision on several occasions. Regression analysis indicated that starting date and survey length explained a significant proportion of the variation in population estimates. Moose in the boreal forest shift into conifer cover in mid-winter and become more difficult to observe. The regression results reflected the bias caused by this shift and underscore the importance of starting the survey early and completing the survey in a short time interval
LOGGING IN ALASKA'S BOREAL FOREST: CREATION OF GRASSLANDS OR ENHANCEMENT OF MOOSE HABITAT
No full textTimber harvest in Alaska’s boreal forest can greatly enhance or severely reduce moose (Alces alces) habitat quality, depending on forest management objectives, timing and methods of harvest, and post-logging site preparation. Overstory removal associated with timely exposure of mineral soil favors establishment of early successional hardwoods important as moose browse. A combination of clear-cutting and soil scarification on mesic sites mimics fire, windfall, and fluvial erosion, important natural forces that drive regeneration of the boreal forest. When cut during dormancy, aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (P. balsamifera) Regenerate prolifically by root and stump sprouting. However, harvest of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) or white spruce (Picea glauca) with little or no disturbance to the organic mat covering the forest floor often results in establishment of a long lived herbaceous disclimax dominated by bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis). This disclimax may persist for 25 to 100 years or more, limiting re-establishment of important deciduous browse species utilized by moose. With proper timber harvest, soil scarification, and good seedling establishment, carrying capacity for moose based upon forage supply can increase 20-45 fold (4-9 moose/km2) over mature forest. Increases of this magnitude are also observed following wild fire. Estimates of carrying capacity follow poor harvest practices with no scarification seldom exceed 0.2 moose/km2, similar to that of mature forest. Properly regenerated clearcuts yield high quantities of moose browse for approximately 20 years following logging. We discussed the importance of appropriate timber harvesting practices relative to moose and the boreal forest ecosystem in Alaska
THE INFLUENCE OF SILVICULTURAL CLEANING ON MOOSE BROWSING IN YOUNG SCOTS PINE STANDS IN FINLAND
No full textAssessing the intensity of silvicultural cleaning in young stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), which are an important food source for moose (Alces alces), was studied in relation to the effects of feeding. Field data were collected in central Finland from 1990-96. The study area was divided into 13 silviculturally cleaned (1988-89) and seven untreated control stands. A second cleaning was done in all of the cleaned and untreated control stands in 1993-94. Six exclosures established in 1989 were also included in the study. White birch (Betula pubescens) was the main tree species removed by cleaning in both open areas and in exclosures. Total biomass consumed by moose in winter 1989-90, 1 year after the first cleaning, was significantly higher in untreated stands than in cleaned stands (33.3 kg/ha ± 3.7 SE vs. 12.0 kg/ha ± 3.7 SE, P < 0.01). Moose browsing on pine in silviculturally cleaned stands of pine was less intensive than in untreated ones. The total biomass consumed by moose in winter 1994-95, did not differ between cleaning treatments (10.4 kg/ha ± 2.2 SE vs. 11.0 kg/ha ± 5.1 SE, P = 0.90), nor did consumed pine biomass in winter 1995-95, 2 years after the second cleaning (4.6 kg/ha ± 1.3 SE vs. 9.0 kg/ha ± 3.8 SE, P = 0.20). Several factors were correlated with moose browsing on pine in winter 1994-95. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that total stem density and white birch density best explained moose browsing on pine. Significantly higher cumulative numbers of pine stem breakages and browsed pines occurred in sites cleaned once versus those cleaned twice during 1988-94. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of pine twigs prior to the second cleaning in 1993-94 was higher in the untreated stands than in the cleaned ones. However, in vitro dry matter digestibility did not explain the difference in browsing between cleaning treatments. Total phenol content of pine twigs was slightly higher in the clean stands than in the untreated stands. the preferred species of trees, aspen (Populus tremula), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and willows (Salix spp.), were taller in exclosures then in open areas in 1995. The differences were evidently caused by browsing. Results indicated that moose browsing was not high enough to reduce the stem density of less-preferred white birch, which was strongly competing with pine especially in the single-cleaning treatment. Thus, relatively early cleaning is needed in conditions with excess birches because they can increase the risk of moose damage to pine. The importance of a mixture of tree species as well as the timing of silvicultural cleaning in relation to moose browsing has to be taken into account when combining moose management and forest practices