MODELING A SOUTH-CENTRAL ALASKAN MOOSE POPULATION

Abstract

A moose (Alces alces) population model was developed which utilizes parameters routinely measured by wildlife managers in Alaska. Information on the distribution, abundance, sex, and age characteristics of moose populations have been collected annually for harvest management since the early 1950’s. Since 1975, research on the population status and dynamics of moose and three of its important predators, brown bear (Ursus arctos), black bear (Ursus americanus) and gray wolf (Canis lupus) has been in progress. Much of the research focused on quantifying predator-prey relationships and identifying potential impacts of hydroelectric development on moose and other wildlife. The availability of such information presented a unique opportunity to examine the structure and dynamics of the most population occupying the upper and middle Susitna River Basin of south-central Alaska. The model, required information, and several examples of predicted future fluctuations are presented.