Distribution, movements, habitat usage, food habits, and associated behavior of reintroduced elk in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Sullivan MG, Irby LR, Marlow CB, Picton HD. 1988. Distribution, movements, habitat usage, food habits, and associated behavior of reintroduced elk in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Submitted to NPS in compliance with contract No. CX1200-5-A051. Montana State University. Bozeman, MT
In 1984, personnel at Theodore Roosevelt National Park began to formulate plans for reintroducing elk into the South Unit of the Park. The reintroduction was initiated to restore one of the major herbivores in the badlands environment. A recent bison study in the South Unit determined that excess forage existed in the Park and elk might help alleviate suboptimal range conditions due to underuse of some habitat types. Forty-seven Rocky Mountain elk (C. elaphus nelsoni) captured and transported from Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, were released in the South Unit in March 1985. This study, conducted from June 1985 to January 1988, represents the first phase of a four year study to determine distribution, movement, habitat use, food habits, and associated behavior of reintroduced elk in THRO. The second phase of the study is currently underway and is expected to be completed in August 1989.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Sullivan, Mark; Irby, Lynn; Marlow, Clayton; Picton, Harold
- Date of Issue
- 1988-01
- Publisher
- Montana State University
- Units
- THRO
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Animals, Distribution, Elk (Cervus elaphus), Food, Habitats, Mammals, reintroduction (elk), Ungulates