Shiras moose forage selection in relation to browse availability in north-central Idaho

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Pierce, John D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1984
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Pacific; Alces alces
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z84-354; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z84-354

Forty-eight feeding site examinations from 1979 to 1981, consisting of 13 653 instances of use, described seasonal diets of Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) in north-central Idaho. Thirty-three of these sites were in mature, dense conifer stands. Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), menziesia (Mensiesia ferruginea), Sitka alder (Alnus sinuata), mountain maple (Acer glabrum), and Scouler willow (Salix scouleriana) constituted over 90% of the observed diet in all seasons. Menziesia and alder were highly selected during summer. During winter, Pacific yew and menziesia were used in proportion to their availabilities. The extensive use of menziesia, Pacific yew, and alder was considered to be a result of low availability of alternative species and moose dependence on forage under mature canopies during winter when snow depths precluded use of open areas such as clear-cuts.