Density Dependence and Survival of Elk in Northwestern Wyoming
Sauer JR and Boyce MS. 1983. Density Dependence and Survival of Elk in Northwestern Wyoming. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 47(1):31-37
Survival rates of elk (Cervus elaphus) were estimated from tag recovery data. Correlations of yearly survival rates of cow and female calf elk with climatic, hunter kill, and elk population density variables indicate that cow survival varies with climate, but female calf survival changes with both climate and cow population density. Although a variety of climatic, population density, and other environmental factors probably interact to determine elk survival, we could only demonstrate density-dependent survival in calf elk. Age-specific density dependence should be incorporated into models of elk population dynamics to ensure accurate predictions of elk population densities and maximum sustained yields.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Sauer, John; Boyce, Mark
- Units
- GRTE , YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Animals, Behavior, Elk (Cervus elaphus), Mammals, Population Density, Ungulates