MOOSE HABITAT AND FOREST SUCCESSION OF THE TANANA RIVER FLOODPLAIN AND YUKON-TANANA UPLAND

Authors

  • Jerry O. Wolff
  • John C. Zasada

Abstract

Production, availability, and utilization of woody browse by moose in winter were recorded in stands of 16 different ages on the Tanana River floodplain and the Yukon-Tanana uplands of Alaska. These stands represented primary and secondary succession following fire, flooding, and clearing. The forage available included 198 kg/ha in a 1-year-old aspen stand, 167 kg/ha in an 11-year-old birch stand, and 66 kg/ha in a 16-year-old willow stand. Stands greater than 25 years post-disturbance had less than 10 kg of browse per hectare. Aspen stands provide the most browse 1-5 years post-disturbance, whereas birch and willow stands provide the most browse between 10 and 16 years. Browsing intensities ranged from 0% to 56% in most stands, suggesting moose are below their habitat carrying capacities. The use of browse availability and consumption rates to determine carrying capacities and moose-days are discussed.

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Published

1979-01-01

How to Cite

Wolff, J. O., & Zasada, J. C. (1979). MOOSE HABITAT AND FOREST SUCCESSION OF THE TANANA RIVER FLOODPLAIN AND YUKON-TANANA UPLAND. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 15, 213–244. Retrieved from https://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/1713

Issue

Vol. 15 (1979): Alces Vol. 15 (1979)

Section

Articles

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