Implications for Habitat Selection by Moose

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Implications for Habitat Selection by Moose HABITAT SELECTION AND SIGHTABILITY OF MOOSE IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE By Susan A. Oehlers, B.S. Fairbanks, Alaska August 2007 iii Abstract We examined the role of scale and sex in habitat selection by radiocollared Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) on the Yakutat forelands, Alaska, USA. We used conditional logistic regression to quantify differences in habitats selected between sexes and seasons at 3 different spatial scales (250, 500, and 1000 m), and multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP) to test for differences in spatial distribution between the sexes. Sexes selected for habitats similarly during the mating season, when sexes generally were aggregated, whereas sexes exhibited differential habitat selection during the non-mating season when sexes were segregated. Both sexes selected habitats at the 1000 m scale; models limited to 2 variables, however, demonstrated differences in scales selected by the sexes. There was a significant difference between male and female spatial distribution during all months (MRPP; P <0.0001), and distances between individuals were higher in females than in males, particularly during spring. We also developed a sightability model for moose with logistic regression, and used Distance Sampling to develop sightability correction factors (SCFs). Application of the sightability model and Distance Sampling to a sample data set of 600 moose yielded population estimates of 652–1124 ( x = 755) and 858–1062 ( x = 954) moose, respectively. iv Table of Contents Page Signature Page ..................................................................................................................... i Title page ............................................................................................................................ ii Abstract.............................................................................................................................iii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. iv List of Figures.................................................................................................................. vii List of Tables .................................................................................................................... ix List of Appendices............................................................................................................ xi Acknowledgments ..........................................................................................................xiii Introduction....................................................................................................................... 1 Literature Cited ................................................................................................................ 5 Chapter 1. Sex and Scale: Implications for Habitat Selection in Moose ................... 9 Abstract.............................................................................................................................. 9 Introduction................................................................................................................. 11 Materials and Methods............................................................................................... 16 Study site.................................................................................................................. 16 Capture and handling............................................................................................. 19 Data collection ......................................................................................................... 20 Landscape classification ......................................................................................... 20 GPS collar testing.................................................................................................... 22 GPS data .................................................................................................................. 23 v Statistical analyses .................................................................................................. 25 Results .......................................................................................................................... 31 Sample size and physical data................................................................................ 31 Home range.............................................................................................................. 32 Spatial distribution ................................................................................................. 32 Habitat selection...................................................................................................... 33 Seasonal habitat selection....................................................................................... 36 Habitat selection by scale ....................................................................................... 38 Model accuracy ....................................................................................................... 39 Discussion..................................................................................................................... 40 GPS and GIS ........................................................................................................... 40 Spatial distribution ................................................................................................. 40 Habitat selection...................................................................................................... 42 Conclusions.................................................................................................................. 58 Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................... 59 Literature cited............................................................................................................ 87 Chapter 2. Moose Detectability Results From Sightability Trials Employing Telemetry And Aerial Surveys .................................................................................... 129 Abstract...................................................................................................................... 129 Introduction............................................................................................................... 131 Study Area ................................................................................................................. 136 Methods...................................................................................................................... 138 vi Capture and Handling.......................................................................................... 138 Sightability Trials.................................................................................................. 139 Statistical Analyses................................................................................................ 143 Results ........................................................................................................................ 146 Sample Size and Descriptive Statistics................................................................ 146 Logistic Regression ............................................................................................... 148 Distance analysis ................................................................................................... 150 Discussion................................................................................................................... 151 Management Implications........................................................................................ 159 Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... 160 Literature Cited ........................................................................................................ 178 General Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 189 Literature Cited .................................................................................................... 194 vii List of Figures Page Figure 1.1 Study area for studying habitat selection by GPS telemetry ............................61 Figure 1.2 Winter 95% fixed-kernel home ranges.............................................................62 Figure 1.3 Multi-response permutation procedure delta (within-group) values................63 Figure 1.4 Mean ± SE values of variables analyzed for habitat selection by adult female moose .................................................................................................................................64 Figure 1.5 Mean ± SE values of variables analyzed for habitat selection by adult male moose .................................................................................................................................65 Figure 1.6 Aspect used by adult female moose .................................................................66 Figure 1.7 Aspect used by adult male moose ....................................................................67 Figure 1.8 Relative probability of occurrence predicted for adult moose on the Yakutat forelands, Alaska, USA,
Recommended publications
  • Arabian Ungulate CAMP & Leopard, Tahr, and Oryx PHVA Final Report 2001.Pdf
    Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) For The Arabian Ungulates and Leopard & Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) For the Arabian Leopard, Tahr, and Arabian Oryx 1 © Copyright 2001 by CBSG. A contribution of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group. Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN). 2001. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for the Arabian Leopard and Arabian Ungulates with Population and Habitat Viability Assessments for the Arabian Leopard, Arabian Oryx, and Tahr Reports. CBSG, Apple Valley, MN. USA. Additional copies of Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for the Arabian Leopard and Arabian Ungulates with Population and Habitat Viability Assessments for the Arabian Leopard, Arabian Oryx, and Tahr Reports can be ordered through the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. USA. 2 Donor 3 4 Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) For The Arabian Ungulates and Leopard & Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) For the Arabian Leopard, Tahr, and Arabian Oryx TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: Executive Summary 5. SECTION 2: Arabian Gazelles Reports 18. SECTION 3: Tahr and Ibex Reports 28. SECTION 4: Arabian Oryx Reports 41. SECTION 5: Arabian Leopard Reports 56. SECTION 6: New IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria; Taxon Data Sheet; and CBSG Workshop Process. 66. SECTION 7: List of Participants 116. 5 6 Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) For The Arabian Ungulates and Leopard & Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) For the Arabian Leopard, Tahr, and Arabian Oryx SECTION 1 Executive Summary 7 8 Executive Summary The ungulates of the Arabian peninsula region - Arabian Oryx, Arabian tahr, ibex, and the gazelles - generally are poorly known among local communities and the general public.
    [Show full text]
  • Mammals of Jordan
    © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Mammals of Jordan Z. AMR, M. ABU BAKER & L. RIFAI Abstract: A total of 78 species of mammals belonging to seven orders (Insectivora, Chiroptera, Carni- vora, Hyracoidea, Artiodactyla, Lagomorpha and Rodentia) have been recorded from Jordan. Bats and rodents represent the highest diversity of recorded species. Notes on systematics and ecology for the re- corded species were given. Key words: Mammals, Jordan, ecology, systematics, zoogeography, arid environment. Introduction In this account we list the surviving mammals of Jordan, including some reintro- The mammalian diversity of Jordan is duced species. remarkable considering its location at the meeting point of three different faunal ele- Table 1: Summary to the mammalian taxa occurring ments; the African, Oriental and Palaearc- in Jordan tic. This diversity is a combination of these Order No. of Families No. of Species elements in addition to the occurrence of Insectivora 2 5 few endemic forms. Jordan's location result- Chiroptera 8 24 ed in a huge faunal diversity compared to Carnivora 5 16 the surrounding countries. It shelters a huge Hyracoidea >1 1 assembly of mammals of different zoogeo- Artiodactyla 2 5 graphical affinities. Most remarkably, Jordan Lagomorpha 1 1 represents biogeographic boundaries for the Rodentia 7 26 extreme distribution limit of several African Total 26 78 (e.g. Procavia capensis and Rousettus aegypti- acus) and Palaearctic mammals (e. g. Eri- Order Insectivora naceus concolor, Sciurus anomalus, Apodemus Order Insectivora contains the most mystacinus, Lutra lutra and Meles meles). primitive placental mammals. A pointed snout and a small brain case characterises Our knowledge on the diversity and members of this order.
    [Show full text]
  • Arabian Tahr in Oman Paul Munton
    Arabian Tahr in Oman Paul Munton Arabian tahr are confined to Oman, with a population of under 2000. Unlike other tahr species, which depend on grass, Arabian tahr require also fruits, seeds and young shoots. The areas where these can be found in this arid country are on certain north-facing mountain slopes with a higher rainfall, and it is there that reserves to protect this tahr must be made. The author spent two years in Oman studying the tahr. The Arabian tahr Hemitragus jayakari today survives only in the mountains of northern Oman. A goat-like animal, it is one of only three surviving species of a once widespread genus; the other two are the Himalayan and Nilgiri tahrs, H. jemlahicus and H. hylocrius. In recent years the government of the Sultanate of Oman has shown great interest in the country's wildlife, and much conservation work has been done. From April 1976 to April 1978 I was engaged jointly by the Government, WWF and IUCN on a field study of the tahr's ecology, and in January 1979 made recommendations for its conservation, which were presented to the Government. Arabian tahr differ from the other tahrs in that they feed selectively on fruits, seeds and young shoots as well as grass. Their optimum habitat is found on the north-facing slopes of the higher mountain ranges of northern Oman, where they use all altitudes between sea level and 2000 metres. But they prefer the zone between 1000 and 1800m where the vegetation is especially diverse, due to the special climate of these north-facing slopes, with their higher rainfall, cooler temperatures, and greater shelter from the sun than in the drought conditions that are otherwise typical of this arid zone.
    [Show full text]
  • GNUSLETTER Volume 37 Number 1
    GNUSLETTER Volume 37 Number 1 ANTELOPE SPECIALIST GROUP July 2020 ISSN 2304-0718 IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope Specialist Group GNUSLETTER is the biannual newsletter of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope Specialist Group (ASG). First published in 1982 by first ASG Chair Richard D. Estes, the intent of GNUSLETTER, then and today, is the dissemination of reports and information regarding antelopes and their conservation. ASG Members are an important network of individuals and experts working across disciplines throughout Africa and Asia. Contributions (original articles, field notes, other material relevant to antelope biology, ecology, and conservation) are welcomed and should be sent to the editor. Today GNUSLETTER is published in English in electronic form and distributed widely to members and non-members, and to the IUCN SSC global conservation network. To be added to the distribution list please contact [email protected]. GNUSLETTER Review Board Editor, Steve Shurter, [email protected] Co-Chair, David Mallon Co-Chair, Philippe Chardonnet ASG Program Office, Tania Gilbert, Phil Riordan GNUSLETTER Editorial Assistant, Stephanie Rutan GNUSLETTER is published and supported by White Oak Conservation The Antelope Specialist Group Program Office is hosted and supported by Marwell Zoo http://www.whiteoakwildlife.org/ https://www.marwell.org.uk The designation of geographical entities in this report does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of IUCN, the Species Survival Commission, or the Antelope Specialist Group concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or concerning the delimitation of any frontiers or boundaries. Views expressed in Gnusletter are those of the individual authors, Cover photo: Peninsular pronghorn male, El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve (© J.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Arabian Ark' Helps Save Wildlife from Extinction 4 February 2015, by Wissam Keyrouz
    'Arabian Ark' helps save wildlife from extinction 4 February 2015, by Wissam Keyrouz started bringing animals to Sir Bani Yas in 1971. "He started developing the island into a nature reserve and the idea back then was to create an Arabian Ark for his people," said Marius Prinsloo, general manager of operations at the island. "We have been successful," he said of the conservation efforts. 'Great results' Sir Bani Yas is now home to about 500 Arabian Oryx—one of the world's largest herds. A falcon takes off on Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the Sameer Ghani, an independent conservation largest natural islands in the UAE specialist, said the reserve's Arabian Oryx breeding programme was showing "great results" after the animal "went extinct in the wild in the early 1970s". Oryx, giraffes and cheetahs roam an "Arabian Ark" A type of antelope, they once roamed most of the nature reserve on a desert Gulf island where Arabian Peninsula but rampant hunting meant that species once facing extinction in the region are for years they survived only in captivity. making a comeback. Since animals were first brought to Sir Bani Yas off the coast of Abu Dhabi more than four decades ago, their total population has soared to more than 13,000. Twenty-five species of mammals and 170 types of birds are found in a nature reserve covering an area of 1,400 hectares (3,500 acres). They include striped hyenas, caracals—also known as the desert lynx—and the Arabian tahr, a small goat-like mammal indigenous to the Hajar Mountains between the UAE and Oman.
    [Show full text]
  • Arabian Oryx
    ANTELOPE AND Arabian oryx ... back from the brink, thanks to zoos! GIRAFFE TAG Why exhibit Arabian oryx? • Share a strong pro-zoo message: the Arabian oryx was literally saved by zoos. This was the first extinct-in-the-wild species to be reintroduced to its native range from captive-bred stock! • Enhance your visitors’ experience during hot weather. Arabian Oryx are vocal, socially dynamic, and active throughout all but the hottest days, helping draw and hold guests’ attention. • Use the stunning looks of this species to interpret desert adaptation and visual communication. Or excite visitors’ imaginations: this oryx may be the source of the unicorn legend! • Don’t have space for a herd? Help this program by holding a single male ... perfect for filling smaller exhibits, and with all of the above mentioned benefits! MEASUREMENTS IUCN Get involved with stewardship! VULNERABLE Length: 5 feet Contact SSP coordinator for more information on Height: 3 feet CITES I *a genetic comparison between populations at shoulder *work with oryx in Jordan. Weight: 150 lbs 1,000 in Desert Arabian Peninsula the wild Care and Husbandry YELLOW SSP: 35.63 (98) in 8 AZA (+1 non-AZA) institutions (2014) Species coordinator: Michelle Hatwood, Audubon Institute [email protected] ; (352) 281-0394 Social nature: Herd-dwelling, but sparring/displacement are common. Females herd well together. Males are typically held singly except for breeding. Bachelor groups do not work well (small numbers have greater success). Mixed species: Not known for mixing well with other species. Gazelles have been tried in large exhibits; some success with females of both species, but oryx tend to be aggressive to infant and male gazelles.
    [Show full text]
  • Addax (Addax Nasomaculatus), Scimitar- Horned Oryx (Oryx Dammah), Arabian Oryx (Oryx Leucoryx), and Sable Antelope (Hippotragus Niger)
    Zoo Biology 20:47–54 (2001) Comparisons Among Selected Neonatal Biomedical Parameters of Four Species of Semi-Free Ranging Hippotragini: Addax (Addax nasomaculatus), Scimitar- horned Oryx (Oryx dammah), Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), and Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger) Shannon T. Ferrell,1* Robin W. Radcliffe,1 Rodney Marsh,1 Cathy B. Thurman,1 Christine M. Cartwright,1 Thomas W.J. De Maar,2 Evan S Blumer,3 Ed Spevak,4 and Steven A. Osofsky5 1Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Department of Animal Health Services, Glen Rose, Texas 2Ol Jogi, Ltd., Nanyuki, Kenya 3The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio 4Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 5World Wildlife Fund, Washington, D.C. Basic biomedical data from 164 neonates of four species of the tribe Hippotragini, addax (Addax nasomaculatus), scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), and sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), were compared at one zoological institution over a 9-year period. Measured biomedical parameters included body weight, temperature, pulse and respiratory rates, packed cell vol- ume (PCV), total plasma protein, glucose, IgG assessment via zinc sulfate tur- bidity, and white blood cell count with differential. All species were maintained in a semi-free ranging setting with the same diet, available shelter, and opportu- nity for social interaction. Based on clinical and field observations, all neonates used in the study were believed to be at least 24 hr old, to have bonded with the dam, and to have no obvious physical abnormalities. Median body weights were similar only in the addax and Arabian oryx with sable antelope having the larg- est median body weight. No significant differences in rectal temperatures or pulse rates were found among species.
    [Show full text]
  • Reintroduction of the Arabian Oryx Oryx Leucoryx in Jordan: War and Redemption
    Oryx Vol 41 No 4 October 2007 Reintroduction of the Arabian oryx Oryx leucoryx in Jordan: war and redemption Lee E. Harding, Omar F. Abu-Eid, Nashat Hamidan and Ahmad al Sha’lan Abstract Following the extinction of the Arabian oryx crowding within Shaumari became apparent by 1995, Oryx leucoryx in the wild in 1972 Jordan began a reintro- when the population numbered 186. The herd’s rate of duction programme in 1978 with 11 founding animals. increase began to decline as productivity and recruit- When the herd size reached 31 in 1983 most were ment decreased and mortality increased. In 1997, to released from captive breeding pens into the 342 km2 reduce overcrowding, the herd’s management began Shaumari Nature Reserve, part of which (22 km2) was dispersing them to other Middle Eastern countries and fenced the following year to protect the oryx and to another nature reserve in Jordan. By February 2006, exclude livestock. The herd grew initially (between 43 oryx remained at Shaumari. In 2005, however, the 1979 and 1986) at about 23% per year. In 1990, when prospects improved when the United Nations Compen- the herd numbered 79, its management was preparing to sation Commission awarded Jordan the cost of environ- release it into the wild outside the fenced reserve. mental damages resulting from the 1990-1991 Gulf War. However, Bedouin families fleeing the Gulf War in Part of this award is designated for renewal of the Kuwait and Iraq brought 1.6 million sheep, goats, captive breeding and reintroduction programme. camels, and donkeys into Jordan.
    [Show full text]
  • Mixed-Species Exhibits with Pigs (Suidae)
    Mixed-species exhibits with Pigs (Suidae) Written by KRISZTIÁN SVÁBIK Team Leader, Toni’s Zoo, Rothenburg, Luzern, Switzerland Email: [email protected] 9th May 2021 Cover photo © Krisztián Svábik Mixed-species exhibits with Pigs (Suidae) 1 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 3 Use of space and enclosure furnishings ................................................................... 3 Feeding ..................................................................................................................... 3 Breeding ................................................................................................................... 4 Choice of species and individuals ............................................................................ 4 List of mixed-species exhibits involving Suids ........................................................ 5 LIST OF SPECIES COMBINATIONS – SUIDAE .......................................................... 6 Sulawesi Babirusa, Babyrousa celebensis ...............................................................7 Common Warthog, Phacochoerus africanus ......................................................... 8 Giant Forest Hog, Hylochoerus meinertzhageni ..................................................10 Bushpig, Potamochoerus larvatus ........................................................................ 11 Red River Hog, Potamochoerus porcus ...............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • (Oryx Leucoryx) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Using a Mobile Raceway
    Restraint of Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates using a mobile raceway. D. O'Donovan*, Dr T. Bailey Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre, Dubai, UAE. Dubai Falcon Hospital, Dubai, UAE Introduction Techniques for trapping and restraining ungulates are extremely ancient and Haigh (1999) suggests that most of these were devised as a means of obtaining a source of food. More recently the use of remote delivery drug systems have allowed the safe immobilisation of almost all ungulate species. Most zoological collections today have at some time being faced with a common problem of how to adequately and safely restrain the many and varied species held within their collection. Although the choice adopted, (whether to use chemical or physical restraint) has not changed very much in the last 50 years, the actual components used in the restraint are continually evolving and are rapidly being replaced by better alternatives. Modern anaesthetic techniques and anaesthetics themselves allow for the rapid induction of anaesthesia/sedation thereby allowing quick restraint. Equipment used for the physical restraint of ungulates has similarly evolved into taxa specific devices which can include a v-shaped drop floor/hydraulically operated squeeze units (Tamer, Fauna Research, Red Hook NY) or variations of these. Many facilities and authors have described different methods of restraint for ungulate species, but most of these refer to the use of chemical methods (Bush 1996; Blumer and de Marr 1993; Atkinson et al. 1999; Haigh 1999). Wirtu et al. (2005) describes the use of a combination of physical restraint, sedation and behavioural conditioning for repeat sampling in eland (Taurotragus oryx).
    [Show full text]
  • GNUSLETTER Vol 37#2.Pdf
    GNUSLETTER Volume 37 / Number 2 December 2020 ANTELOPE SPECIALIST GROUP IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope Specialist Group GNUSLETTER is the biannual newsletter of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope Specialist Group (ASG). First published in 1982 by first ASG Chair Richard D. Estes, the intent of GNUSLETTER, then and today, is the dissemination of reports and information regarding antelopes and their conservation. ASG Members are an important network of individuals and experts working across disciplines throughout Africa, Asia and America. Contributions (original articles, field notes, other material relevant to antelope biology, ecology, and conservation) are welcomed and should be sent to the editor. Today GNUSLETTER is published in English in electronic form and distributed widely to members and non-members, and to the IUCN SSC global conservation network. To be added to the distribution list please contact [email protected]. GNUSLETTER Editorial Board - David Mallon, ASG Co-Chair - Philippe Chardonnet, ASG Co-Chair ASG Program Office - Tania Gilbert, Marwell Wildife The Antelope Specialist Group Program Office is hosted and supported by Marwell Wildlife https://www.marwell.org.uk The designation of geographical entities in this report does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of IUCN, the Species Survival Commission, or the Antelope Specialist Group concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or concerning the delimitation of any frontiers or boundaries. Views expressed in GNUSLETTER are those of the individual authors, Cover photo: Young female bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), W National Park and Biosphere Reserve, Niger (© Daniel Cornélis) 2 GNUSLETTER Volume 37 Number 2 December 2020 FROM IUCN AND ASG……………………………………………………….
    [Show full text]
  • Native Plants of United Arab Emirates
    FACTS OF UAE TITLE- FACTS OF UAE 1 NATIVE PLANTS OF THE UAE Cornulaca monacantha – In Arabic it is known as had and djouri is a straggling, branched, woody shrub growing to a height of 60 centimeters (24 in). It is a desert plant found in the Middle East and the Sahara Desert hyacinth (Cistanche tubulosa) – Branchless parasite fleshy herb, up to 1m high with erect whitish single stem, simple and up to 4cm thick, stem arise from tuber. Common in coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf coast and on inland saline sand plains. NATIVE PLANTS 2 NATIVE PLANTS OF THE UAE Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) – Once a common dwarf shrub in many north-eastern parts of UAE, overgrazing has led to the disappearance of the species in many locations.- Ausaj (Lycium shawii) – Desert plant, common in the UAE in variety of habitats: gravel plains, hillsides, wadis and plantation. Safrawi (Dipterygium glaucum) – Perennial shrub but often flowering and fruiting in the first year. Very common in the UAE, along the Arabian gulf coast, often very close to beach lines, also on saline sand inland, except for the southern part of Abu Dhabi emirate. NATIVE PLANTS 3 NATIVE ANIMALS OF THE UAE Oryx leucoryx (Al maha, al baqr, al barra) – The Arabian Oryx is uniform white, while the flank stripe is absent . Arabian Oryx once occurred over all or most of the plains and deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Arabian Red Fox (Al taleb al ahmer)- Is similar in color to the common Red Fox. Found throughout the UAE and can adapt to all habitats, from desert to mountains, as well as the urban environment.
    [Show full text]