Detection of Moose in Midwinter from Fixed-Wing Aircraft over Dense Forest Cover
Peterson RO and Page RE. 1993. Detection of Moose in Midwinter from Fixed-Wing Aircraft over Dense Forest Cover. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 21(1):80-86
Moose observations from fixed-wing aircraft and trial counts using radiocollared moose in ISRO were used to estimate the proportion of moose observed during aerial censuses in midwinter in dense forest habitats. Using an intensive search flight pattern (small overlapping circles) with low-contrast daylight, moose detection from fixed-wing aircraft (78-80%) was comparable to that reported for helicopter counts. Using intensive searches, detection was lowest (70-75%) in coniferous forests, whereas virtually no moose were missed in counts in deciduous habitats. In the absence of trial counts for detection rate during an aerial survey, an assumed rate of 75% is consistent with out results. Ideally, moose counts in winter should be timed to coincide with the period of greatest moose activity, just after sunrise.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Peterson, Rolf; Page, Richard
- Units
- ISRO
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Moose (Alces alces)