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ABSTRACT: Moose (Alces alces) employ physiological and behavioral mechanisms to enable them to dissipate excess heat when ambient temperature is above the upper critical temperature of their thermoneutral zone. In [...]

ABSTRACT: The giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, is a possible contributing factor to moose (Alces alces) declines in North America, but evidence linking F. magna infection directly to moose mortality [...]

ABSTRACT: We measured browse availability and use along foraging paths of GPS radio-collared moose (Alces alces) in northeastern Minnesota to estimate diet composition and browse species preference. On foraging paths [...]

Voyageurs National Park (VNP) has a stable population of about 40-50 moose (Alces aloes). Recent declines in moose abundance in adjacent areas in northern Minnesota raise concerns about the long-term viability of moose in VNP. The parasitic nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis has been documented in moose in VNP and has been implicated in moose declines in other populations. Terrestrial gastropods are the intermediate hosts for P. tenuis, and describing spatial and temporal differences in their abundance should increase understanding about the risk of P. tenuis infection for VNP moose at the individual and population levels. We used cardboard sheets to estimate species composition and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in representative vegetation communities in VNP. We collected a total of 6,595 gastropods representing 25 species, 22 terrestrial snails and 3 slugs; 8 are known vectors of P. tenuis, including the slug Deroceras laeve, the most common species found. Gastropods were more abundant in September than July, and in upland forests (maximum = 555 gastropods/[m.sup.2]) more than in wetter lowlands (20 gastropods/[m.sup.2]). We used location data from GPS-collared moose in VNP to estimate the relative exposure of moose to gastropods that could be infected with P. tenuis larvae. The boreal hardwood forest and northern spruce-fir forest ecotypes had the highest use by moose and high abundance of P. tenuis vectors in summer, and may pose the greatest risk for infection. Habitat use and the related risk of ingesting gastropod vectors varied by individual moose. Our method can be extended in moose range to estimate the relative risk of P. tenuis infection. Key Words: Alces, meningeal worm, Minnesota, moose, P. tenuis, parasite, INTRODUCTION The parasitic nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis can be fatal to moose (Alces alces) (Anderson 1964), and was the probable cause of 5% of mortality of radio-collared moose in northwestern Minnesota [...]

Moose (Alces aloes) respond to warm temperatures through both physiological and behavioral mechanisms. Moose can reduce heat load via habitat selection when spatial and temporal variation exists within the thermal environment. We recorded operative temperatures ([T.sub.o]) throughout the Kabetogama Peninsula of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota for 1 year to describe seasonal patterns in the thermal environment available to moose and identify physical and landscape characteristics that affect [T.sub.o] in southern boreal forests. Significant predictors of [T.sub.o] varied by season and time of day and included vegetation cover type, canopy cover, and slope/aspect. Vegetation cover type influenced [T.sub.o] during summer and fall afternoons with additional variation during summer afternoons explained by percent canopy cover. Slope/aspect was the main driver of [T.sub.o] during winter and spring afternoons. Slope position was not a significant predictor of temperature, likely because of low topographic relief in our study area. The [T.sub.o]s were significantly warmer in open versus closed habitats during the day with the pattern reversed at night. Our results can be used to test if moose display a behavioral response to [T.sub.o] at various spatial and temporal scales. Key words: Alces alces, aspect, canopy cover, cover type, forests, moose, operative temperature, topography., Moose (Alces alces) are adapted to cold environments (Karns 2007) but conversely, are less tolerant of high ambient temperatures ([T.sub.a]). Renecker and Hudson (1986) estimated the upper critical temperatures ([T.sub.uc]) [...]

Habitat used immediately after parturition is important to survival of moose calves, though different habitat types may be functionally similar and thus contribute to the variability in habitat use reported in the literature. Neonates are relatively immobile, which restricts movement of the cow-calf pair and makes both vulnerable to predation. The cow also requires adequate access to forage during the period when calf mobility is limited. We used fine-scale movement data to determine linear distance traveled to the birth site as well as habitat use by cow-calf pairs in northeast Minnesota. All cows made long distance movements (x = 6 km) to the birth site where they localized in 1.72 ± 0.48 ha (95% kernel polygon) for approximately 7 ± 0.7 days. A mosaic of cover types that reflected availability across the landscape were used by the cow prior to localization at the birth site. Birth site areas consisted of one cover type rather than the mosaic used before birth, and varied among cows, though bogs were used most often (40%). The small birth site area and use of bog habitat were likely a consequence of low calf mobility post-parturition. Upon exiting the birth site, cow-calf pairs shifted toward use of mixed and young/regenerating forest which likely reflects the need and use for highly nutritious browse to meet the high energetic cost of lactation. Key words: Alces alces, calving sites, Minnesota, moose, parturition habitat., The time around parturition is critical to survival of offspring. The mother should select habitats that increase the survival of offspring and express behavior that reduces exposure of her and [...]

ABSTRACT: Climate is probably one of the ultimate influences on the southern boundary of moose (Alces alces) distribution because moose are sensitive to warm temperatures in both summer and winter. [...]

ABSTRACT: Habitat used 3-4 weeks post-parturition is important to survival of moose (Alces alces) calves because neonates are vulnerable to predation, and cows require adequate forage when calf mobility is [...]

ABSTRACT: Although home ranges of radio-collared moose are typically used to establish habitat requirements and range size of moose, they can be useful in the implementation of aerial surveys. A [...]

ABSTRACT: Concern over the decline of moose in Minnesota led to a Legislative Session Law mandating that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) develop a Moose Management and Research Plan [...]

ABSTRACT: Interpretation of habitat use from GPS collar locations could be biased if the activity of animals wearing GPS collars affects the probability of obtaining a successful location. We tested [...]

ABSTRACT: This paper provides outlines of 5 sessions in which an overview of various aspects of the use of urinalysis to monitor changes in nutritional condition of free-ranging ungulates was [...]