Tule elk monitoring at Point Reyes National Seashore: 2013-2014 report

Bernot, Tim; Press, Dave

Native tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore occur in three separate herds at Tomales Point, Drakes Beach, and in the Estero Road/Limantour area. During 2013 and 2014, the Tomales Point tule elk population declined from 356 to 286 total elk within the reserve. Although the decline may have been influenced by severe drought conditions, population dynamics in the reserve are complex and may also be affected by reproductive rates, mineral deficiencies, and disease. Meanwhile, elk herds at Drakes Beach and the Estero Road/Limantour areas increased from 2013 to 2014. Through visual observations and the deployment of GPS collars, park staff monitored the presence of tule elk on park ranches. In the Drakes Beach area, up to 76.8% of elk locations per year were recorded on park ranches, and GPS points of collared individuals occurred on park ranches between 26.9% and 82.3% per year. In the Estero Road area, where only male elk occur, up to 92.6% of elk locations per year were recorded on park ranches. Additional tule elk monitoring and management actions implemented by Point Reyes staff in 2013 and 2014 included attempted captures of male elk with antler entanglements, a water development project in the Drakes Beach area, hazing of elk from park ranches, Johne’s disease monitoring, elk fence maintenance at Tomales Point, cattle fence repair and removal in the Drakes Beach area, shed antler collection, and investigation of notable mortalities. The tule elk docent program at Tomales Point was active again in 2013 and 2014, reaching over 5,000 visitors annually. Tule education and outreach at the park also included class field trips from local universities and public presentations at park headquarters.

Tule elk monitoring at Point Reyes National Seashore: 2013-2014 report

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