APPLICATION OF POPULATION VIABILITY THEORY TO MOOSE IN MAINLAND NOVA SCOTIA

• Main Authors: Snaith, Tamaini V., Beazley, Karen F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 2002
• Subjects: Canada; Alces alces
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/521

Populations of moose (Alces alces americana) in mainland Nova Scotia, Canada, have been reduced to approximately 1,000 individuals fragmented into a number of isolated populations. Although the data required for a comprehensive population viability assessment (PVA) are not currently available, there are some general rules concerning minimum viable population (MVP) size that may be applied for a preliminary assessment. Genetic evidence suggests that, in general, a genetically effective population (Ne) of 50 individuals is required for short-term persistence and 500 to 5,000 individuals are required for long-term survival. Census population size (N) is generally larger than Ne, and a 10:1 relationship between N and Ne has been roughly established in moose populations elsewhere. Given this relationship, N = 5,000 individuals may be required for long-term viability. Based on current home range size (30-55 km2) and population density (0.05/km2), the minimum critical area required by a population of this size is estimated to be approximately 100,000-200,000 km2. Strategies for moose conservation and forest management should concentrate on (1) conducting genetic, population, and habitat analyses to increase understanding of population viability and limiting factors; (2) reestablishing connectedness among discrete populations to form a viable metapopulation; (3) protecting/enhancing habitat to meet the critical requirements of a viable population; and (4) increasing carrying capacity of available habitat to support a greater population density.