A MOOSE HABITAT ASSESSMENT OF HTE BULKLEY-ENDAKO AREA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Abstract
The capability of land to meet the needs of wildlife is a central concept in habitat protection and habitat enhancement. This paper describes the application of a biophysical ungulate capability classification to moose (Alces alces andersoni) habitat in west-central British Columbia. The land surface is separated into ecological units of similar physical and biological (biophysical) characteristics reflected by terrain, soil and vegetation parameters. Capability classes are assigned on the basis of this information, moose habitat requirements, historical and current census data. Mapping illustrates the location, size and relative importance of a biophysical unit to an area. In the study area moose winter range was shown to be restricted to the lower elevations of main river valleys. Floodplains had the highest potential density of use but were very limited in extent. Uplands provided the greatest potential for winter use because of their high percentage of the area. The potential importance of uplands as moose winter range was stratified on the basis of climate (especially snow depth) and potential to produce forage.
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