STATUS OF MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) IN THE NORTH EAST OF ASIA BEFORE AND AFTER PERESTROIKA (1985)

• Main Authors: Zheleznov-Chukotsky, N. K., Votiashova, E. S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lakehead University 1997
• Subjects: Alces alces; Chukotka
• Online Access: http://alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/811

Prior to perestroika in 1985, a structured, state-controlled moose management system existed across northeast Asia. Biological data were collected regularly and used to formulate scientifically based recommendations for regulating the sport and game harvest of moose. Populations were stable and at reasonably high densities and sex and age structure was balanced. Since 1985, the situation for large ungulates and their predators has worsened sharply. The monitoring system has broken down and management of moose has been assumed by local authorities. Spontaneous and uncontrolled hunting, unreasonably high harvest quotas, and an influx of wealthy foreign hunters have contributed to decrease densities, imbalanced sex ratios, and lowered productivity throughout much of the area. Beginning in 1994 in the Chukotka, hunting of moose was severely restricted in an effort to rehabilitate populations.