A NOVEL METHOD OF PERFORMING MOOSE BROWSE SURVEYS

Authors

  • Rachel L.W. Portinga University of Minnesota Duluth
  • Ron A. Moen

Keywords:

bite size, browse availability method, browse selection, diameter-biomass regressions, diet composition, northeastern Minnesota

Abstract

We measured browse availability and use along foraging paths of GPS radio-collared moose (Alces alces) in northeastern Minnesota to estimate diet composition and browse species preference. On foraging paths during summer and winter we counted twigs via traditional methods for comparison with a novel method that attempted to better simulate moose foraging behavior. Twigs were collected and used to develop diameter at point of browsing – biomass regressions for each browse species. These regressions, different under open and closed canopy, were used to estimate biomass consumption on foraging paths and to compare 4 approaches. The average diets were similar to previously measured regional diets, and importantly, our data identified variance among individual seasonal diets. Our field method allowed us to better quantify and compare diet composition and browse selection of individual free-ranging moose directly on foraging paths.

Author Biography

Rachel L.W. Portinga, University of Minnesota Duluth

Biology Department, Graduate Student - Research Assistant

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Published

2015-10-07

How to Cite

Portinga, R. L., & Moen, R. A. (2015). A NOVEL METHOD OF PERFORMING MOOSE BROWSE SURVEYS. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 51, 107–122. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/136

Issue

Vol. 51 (2015)

Section

Articles

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