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Distribution and density of moose in relation to landscape characteristics: effects of scale

Julie AK Maier, Jay M Ver Hoef, A David McGuire, R Terry Bowyer, Lisa Saperstein, Hilmar A Maier


Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 2005, 35(9): 2233-2243, 10.1139/x05-123

Abstract

We analyzed the relation between early winter distribution and density of female moose (Alces alces L.) and habitat heterogeneity in interior Alaska. We tested for effects of vegetation type, topography, distance to rivers and towns, occurrence and timing of fire, and landscape metrics. A spatial linear model was used to analyze effects of independent variables organized at multiple scales. Because densities of moose vary widely as a result of differences in management and other factors, a spatial response surface of the log of moose density was fit to remove large-scale effects. The analysis revealed that the densest populations of moose occurred closer to towns, at moderate elevations, near rivers, and in areas where fire occurred between 11 and 30 years ago. Furthermore, moose tended to occur in areas with large compact patches of varied habitat and avoided variable terrain and nonvegetated areas. Relationships of most variables with moose density occurred at or below 34 km2, suggesting that moose respond to environmental variables within a few kilometres of their location. The spatial model of density of moose developed in this study represents an important application for effective monitoring and management of moose in the boreal forest.

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Conservation of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Canada: an uncertain future

1This review is part of the virtual symposium “Flagship Species – Flagship Problems” that deals with ecology, biodiversity and management issues, and climate impacts on species at risk and of Canadian importance, including the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

M. Festa-Bianchet, J.C. Ray, S. Boutin, S.D. Côté, A. Gunn

» Abstract

Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2011, 89(5): 419-434, 10.1139/z11-025

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Resilience of Athabascan subsistence systems to interior Alaska’s changing climate

This article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.

Gary P. Kofinas, F. Stuart Chapin, Shauna BurnSilver, Jennifer I. Schmidt, Nancy L. Fresco, Knut Kielland, Stephanie Martin, Anna Springsteen, T. Scott Rupp

» Abstract

Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 2010, 40(7): 1347-1359, 10.1139/X10-108

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Alaska’s changing fire regime — implications for the vulnerability of its boreal forests

This article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.

Eric S. Kasischke, David L. Verbyla, T. Scott Rupp, A. David McGuire, Karen A. Murphy, Randi Jandt, Jennifer L. Barnes, Elizabeth E. Hoy, Paul A. Duffy, Monika Calef, Merritt R. Turetsky

» Abstract

Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 2010, 40(7): 1313-1324, 10.1139/X10-098

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Resilience of Alaska’s boreal forest to climatic change

This article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.

F.S. Chapin, A.D. McGuire, R.W. Ruess, T.N. Hollingsworth, M.C. Mack, J.F. Johnstone, E.S. Kasischke, E.S. Euskirchen, J.B. Jones, M.T. Jorgenson, K. Kielland, G.P. Kofinas, M.R. Turetsky, J. Yarie, A.H. Lloyd, D.L. Taylor

» Abstract

Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 2010, 40(7): 1360-1370, 10.1139/X10-074

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The spatial scale of habitat selection by red deer

James A. Schaefer, Nicolas Morellet, Dominique Pépin, Hélène Verheyden

» Abstract

Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2008, 86(12): 1337-1345, 10.1139/Z08-122

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Moose browsing and forage availability: a scale-dependent relationship?

Johan Månsson, Henrik Andrén, Åke Pehrson, Roger Bergström

» Abstract

Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2007, 85(3): 372-380, 10.1139/Z07-015

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