Date of Award:

5-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Daniel R. MacNulty

Committee

Daniel R. MacNulty

Committee

Lise M. Aubry

Committee

Phaedra Budy

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces) occur widely in northern regions of the world. Across their distribution, the species is considered to be of high intrinsic, ecological and recreational value. Populations of moose along their southern range limit in North America have shown erratic population dynamics in recent decades including severe numeric declines in some areas. Moose in Utah belong to the Shiras subspecies, which is a relatively understudied population segment. Additionally, moose in Utah represent the southernmost naturally occurring moose populations worldwide. Concerns over possible declines and a paucity of baseline data on moose within the state prompted the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to initiate a demographic study of moose in collaboration with Utah State University.

We estimated vital rates including pregnancy, calving, recruitment and adult female survival. Consistent with the theory on life history strategies of large herbivores, we found high adult survival rates but variable reproductive rates. Maternal age and body condition influenced reproductive success. A meta-analysis indicated that southern moose populations in North America tended to be lower than those in more northerly areas.

Using a long-term dataset of aerial moose counts in Utah, we determined factors that influenced interannual variation in population growth rates. Population density, warm winter temperatures, and human harvest all negatively affected population growth rate. However, projections of future moose abundance in the state suggest that the population will likely remain stable in the short-term future if harvest rates are conservative.

Results from this study will aid managers in achieving management objectives as well as future decision making. The unique characteristics of the population also have application toward understanding the dynamics of populations of cold-adapted species at their southern range limit.

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