OCCURENCE OF PROTOSTRONGYLID NEMATODES IN SYMPATRIC POPULATIONS OF MOOSE AND WHITE-TAILED DEER IN MAINE

Authors

  • Robin A. Clark
  • R. Terry Bowyer

Abstract

Occurrence of protostrongylid larvae in sympatric populations of moose (Alces alces) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was studied in Baxter State Park, Piscataouis County, Maine, form January - March 1984. A significantly (P < 0.001) larger proportion of deer fecal groups (50% of 104) contained- first stage larvae than did those of moose (9.6% of 594). Larvae per gram of feces was significantly (P < 0.001) lower for moose (X̄ = 1.3, SD = 4.14) than deer (X̄ = 26.2, SD = 29.42). The proportion of moose fecal groups containing protostrongylid larvae (10.4% of 499) was higher (P = 0.054) in areas where their distribution overlapped that of deer, compared to areas without deer (5.3% of 95). Frequency of moose feces with protostrongylid larvae was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in March than other months; number of larvae per gram of feces was greatest in February. Moose and nematode may be developing a more tolerant relationship in Maine.

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Published

1986-01-01

How to Cite

Clark, R. A., & Bowyer, R. T. (1986). OCCURENCE OF PROTOSTRONGYLID NEMATODES IN SYMPATRIC POPULATIONS OF MOOSE AND WHITE-TAILED DEER IN MAINE. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 22, 313–321. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1349