Characteristics and dynamics of a moose population in northern New Hampshire

• Main Author: Musante, Anthony Richard
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: University of New Hampshire Scholars' Repository 2006
• Subjects: Agriculture; Forestry and Wildlife; Biology; Ecology; Alces alces
• Online Access: https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/238; https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1237&context=thesis

Abundance indices suggest that the moose (Alces alces) population in northern New Hampshire has stabilized despite favorable habitat and conservative harvest. Natural mortality of unknown cause is presumed a primary reason although little is known about moose reproduction and survival in New Hampshire. This study (2002-2005) was designed to investigate the dynamics that impact this population. Analysis of harvest reproductive data (1988-2004) indicated that average field-dressed weight of adult cows increased although corpora lutea count declined from ∼1.4- 1.2/cow in the study area and statewide. Yearling ovulation rate (∼42%) and average weight (<211 kg) declined about 25% and 4%, respectively. Parturition of radio-marked cows ranged from 8 May-13 July (median=19 May) with 78% of births from 13-27 May. Calving rate of yearlings and adults (>2 yr) averaged 30 and 85%, respectively, whereas twinning rate was 11%. There were 39 mortalities (49% calves) with winterkill/parasite (41%), vehicle collision (26%), and hunting (18%) the leading causes. Radio-marked cow mortality was primarily human-related and survival was 0.87. Unmarked calf (0-2 months of age) survival was 0.71with 76% of mortality in first month of life. Radio-marked calves (∼7-12 months of age) had a survival rate of 0.67 with 74% winterkill/parasite-related mortality. Estimated annual calf survival was 0.45. Although population modeling indicated a positive finite rate of increase (1.03-1.07), substituting lower confidence limits for winter survival of calves and both calves and yearling/adults predicted nearly stable (1.01) and negative (0.95) growth, respectively. A conservative physiological model was used to predict the metabolic impact of adult female winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) on calves over 8-weeks of engorgement. Protein deficit associated with blood loss and regeneration appeared to be the most critical problem for calves with daily losses of 30->100% of daily protein requirement over a 2-week period in moderate-severe ...