COMBINING PHOTOGRAPHY AND A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TO MEASURE WINTER BROWSE USE

Authors

  • Roy V. Rea University of Northern BC
  • Jamie D. Svendsen University of Northern BC
  • Hugues B. Massicotte University of Northern BC

Keywords:

browse, clipping, forage, GIS, range, survey, twig, ungulate, willow

Abstract

Browse use surveys such as the twig-length method typically used to assess browsing by ungulates are time-consuming and costly. Here, we describe a modification of the twig-length method that utilizes digital photography and a Geographic Information System (GIS) technique to quantify browse shoot removal. Linear regression analysis indicated that the cumulative shoot length (cm) and biomass removal (g) estimated with our indirect method was similar to direct measurements on Scouler’s willows (Salix scouleriana). Our results suggest that this indirect browse assessment procedure could reduce field time, presumably increase sample size and efficiency, and create a photographic record of each plant for long-term assessment of moose (Alces alces) browsing.

Author Biographies

Roy V. Rea, University of Northern BC

Senior Laboratory Instructor, Ecosystem Science and Management

Jamie D. Svendsen, University of Northern BC

Undergraduate Student, Ecosystem Science and Management

Hugues B. Massicotte, University of Northern BC

Professor, Ecosystem Science and Management

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Published

2017-04-18

How to Cite

Rea, R. V., Svendsen, J. D., & Massicotte, H. B. (2017). COMBINING PHOTOGRAPHY AND A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TO MEASURE WINTER BROWSE USE. Alces, 52, 67–72. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/161

Issue

Vol. 52 (2016)

Section

Articles

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