Dorey, Augusta (2014). Habitat-performance relationships on an island: fitness landscape of moose in Öland, Sweden. Imperial College London. (original) (raw)

Moose (Alces alces), the largest among the deer, have both high recreational and economic value in Scandinavia and elsewhere. To efficiently manage such a valuable species, the key factors affecting their fitness and performance must be understood. Moose generally have high productivity and calf survival in predator free areas, however in recent years, populations at the southern edge of their distribution, such as on the predator free island of Ӧland in Sweden, there have been reports of low calf survival. Individuals are found to carry Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which has been thought to be one of the factors causing the low survival. The aim of this study was to identify what abiotic and biotic factors may also be affecting female moose performance and their calf survival. GPS data from 18 collared moose was used in conjunction with home range, activity, diet, survival and habitat analysis. Moose did not alter the size of their seasonal home ranges or their activity level. Agricultural areas and feeding stations have become the preferred areas in the core home ranges during the winter season. The diet analysis revealed that nearly two thirds of the moose’s winter diet contained agricultural produce. Moose are having to utilise areas where in other populations, individuals tend to avoid. This could probably be one of the reasons for females to be of lower quality and therefore not being able to ensure calf survival. With changing climates and human land use moose continue to be under such environmental pressures, which may therefore jeopardize their future survival and reproduction.

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