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Extensive logging of the boreal forest rejuvenates landscapes once dominated by old-growth stands. As black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) fitness and behavior are known to be primarily related to the abundance of shade-intolerant soft mast species in northern forests, we hypothesized that logging will influence habitat and space use patterns of black bears. We used VHF telemetry on 12 female black bears in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides (Quebec, Canada) to investigate seasonal patterns of habitat selection in an exploited heterogeneous boreal landscape at different spatial scales. Habitat characterization based on seven forest cover types allowed us to compare the productivity of key forage species in various post-logging age classes. Regenerating stands (6-20 years old) had the uppermost ground vegetation cover, providing both the highest density and a high biomass of berries. Black bears preferred regenerating stands (6-20 years old) and avoided mature coniferous forests inside their home range. Home-range size was inversely related to the proportion of regenerating stands (6-20 years old). Intensive logging influenced black bear habitat and space use patterns, and presumably their population dynamics. An increase in the habitat quality of an opportunistic predator poses great concern for conservation, especially for forest-dwelling woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used several spatial and temporal scales to determine space and habitat use of the caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of the Gaspé Peninsula. Thirty-five radio-collared caribou were followed from November 1998 to April 2001. Habitat use was studied by superimposing radiolocations on ecoforestry maps using five predefined habitat types (deciduous, immature, mature spruce, mature fir, and barren). At a finer scale, we tracked caribou in forested areas during winter 2000 and 2001 in order to describe physical and biological characteristics of foraging tracks and used stands. Our results indicated that the distribution of caribou extended beyond the limits of Gaspé Conservation Park. Patterns of space use showed the existence of three groups, which formed a metapopulation. These groups consisted of spatially distinct units that used space and habitat differently. At the home-range level, caribou preferred barren areas found in alpine and subalpine zones at all times of the year. The most frequently used forested habitat type was the mature fir. At the finer scale of foraging tracks, caribou selected fir stands characterized by dense snow conditions and large diameter trees bearing greater quantities of lichen. Our results demonstrated the importance of protecting areas outside the park that are likely to become used or reused by caribou, and of managing these areas to increase settlement by caribou. Lastly, management plans must be adapted to each of the three groups forming this metapopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the influence of temporal and spatial changes in food availability on home-range size and movements of moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)). Ten adult moose were radio-collared and monitored with GPS telemetry collars during two contrasting time periods based on food quality and availability: summer (growing period) and winter (dormant and snowy period). According to the habitat productivity – home-range size hypothesis, we expected home-range size and movement rate to be negatively correlated with the proportion of food-rich habitat types in home ranges. Food availability influenced space use, but the effect was more pronounced at the small scale (i.e., movement rates) than at the large scale (i.e., home-range sizes) and during winter than summer. The negative relationship between food availability and home-range size only existed in winter, but movement rates were lower in food-rich habitat types in both time periods. Our results suggested that body size was not the primary factor governing sex-related differences in space use which were likely more related to specific needs of females with regard to the feeding and protection of calves. We suggest that the habitat productivity – home-range size hypothesis may not always be supported when forage is widely distributed and that movement rates can be a better index of forage availability than home-range sizes in such situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]