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Habitat selection by moose was studied over 4 years in two large sectors subject to intensive forest harvesting using a two-scale approach. At the coarser scale, i.e. location of the home range within the landscape, habitat selection did not appear to be influenced by the presence of clear-cuts. In one sector, moose preferred mature mixed stands, young coniferous, and mature coniferous stands. In the second sector, the highest preference was noted for cut areas and mature deciduous stands. Moose home ranges were located in areas with higher edge and interspersion among habitat patches. Home range size for females was positively related to the proportion of cuts, but movements were not. Habitat selection was more pronounced at the finer scale (animal locations within home range) and did not differ between sectors. Mixed stands were preferred in all seasons. Mature conifer stands were preferred in summer and in early winter while young conifer stands were preferred in late winter. Clear-cuts were avoided except in early winter. Moose were located in areas closer to edge between food and cover stands than were random locations, especially in late winter. A marked decrease in movements also was noted in late winter. This study shows differences in habitat selection pattern between the coarser and finer scales. For example, clear-cuts did not seem to markedly influence home range location at a coarser scale, and adaptations to minimize their impact seemed to operate at a finer scale. Coarser scale habitat selection was probably linked to a trade-off between predator avoidance and browse availability, whereas seasonal changes suggest behavioural adaptations of moose to maximize energy gain and counteract predation and other adverse environmental conditions at the finer scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerial survey data were used to describe moose density changes in relation to habitat composition and structure in clear-cut areas, and to infer the impact of these variables on limiting factors. We hypothesized that moose density would be lower in cut areas due to increased hunting and predation. Four habitat types (food and cover stands, cover stands, cuts, and other habitats) and 7 fragmentation indices were used in our analyses. Aerial surveys conducted in seven 35–112-km² blocks showed that moose density was related to the proportion of deciduous and mixed (food and cover) stands within each block and edge between food and cover and resinous stands (cover). Density, productivity, and harvest rate were not significantly influenced by clear-cuts. Our results suggest that habitat models should consider food and food-cover border over other habitat components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First Nations involvement in forest management is necessary to achieve sustainability, even more in northern Qu6bec where the Cree have constitutional rights on the land. An innovative research approach has been undertaken to improve forest management on Eeyou Astchee, the Cree territory. This project targets moose (Alces alces) because of its importance to the Cree people and because it is a representative species of the northern black spruce ecosystem. The research aims at combining native and scientific knowledge to overcome trust, communication, and cultural barriers, and to build a common vision of moose habitat needs in this northern area. In this poorly known ecosystem, combining Cree and scientific knowledge about moose seems to be a promising avenue to achieve sustainable forest management. Based on new knowledge of this common vision, socioecologicaly-adapted habitat management strategies will be proposed for the study area. The involvement of key stakeholders, and recognition of their knowledge, should promote better support for the research project and better social acceptability of the proposed management recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]