Population dynamics and prey relationships of an exploited and recovering wolf population in the southern Yukon
Hayes RD, Baer AM, Larsen DG. 1991. Population dynamics and prey relationships of an exploited and recovering wolf population in the southern Yukon. Yukon Fish and Wildlife Branch. TR-91-1
Numerical and functional changes in wolf demography and prey relationships were studied between 1983-88 in the Coast Mountains of the southern Yukon. The wolf population size was reduced for three years in an effort to increase moose survival, then monitored for a three-year recovery period. Seventy-nine percent of wolf-killed ungulates were moose and 18% were Dall sheep. Moose, including neonatal calves, were the most important prey in summer. Moose:wolf ratios aaaaaand the ungulate biomass:wolf index suggested that moose were likely declining at the beginning of this study. Based on winter predation rates, wolves potentially removed 64% of moose calves during 2 winters and 11-14% of adults. Overall, a 2:1 relationship between the number of wolves removed from the population and the number of ungulates saved from wolf predation was found. The management of wolves as a tool to increase low density moose populations is discussed. Recommentdations are provided on how to conduct wolf control to maximize survival of moose during the winter.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Hayes, R; Baer, A; Larsen, D
- Date of Issue
- 1991
- Units
- KLGO
- Keywords
- Alces alces gigas, Animal Studies, Canada, Canis lupus, Coast Mountains, Dall Sheep, Demography, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Management, Moose, Ovis dalli dalli, Predation, prey relationships, Wolf, Yukon Territory