Elk movements, habitat use, and population dynamics in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Westfall JA. 1989. Elk movements, habitat use, and population dynamics in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Montana State University. Bozeman, MT
Since elk (Cervus elaphus) were reintroduced into the South Unit of TRNP in March 1985, they have steadily extended their range and now occupy most of the eastern 2/3 of the Park. Elk have grown in number from the 1985 reintroduced population of 47 to 148 by September 1988 at which time 176 were counted in an aerial survey of the Park. Differences were noted in habitat selection among sex/age classes, with adult and yearling bulls preferring rougher terrain. All elk preferred to forage in open grassland habitats during crepuscular hours during spring and summer and throughout the day in winter. Elk were more disturbed by humans on foot than in stationary vehicles or on horseback. Overlap in forage utilization among elk and other ungulates was minimal to moderate. Optimum carrying capacity was determined for ungulates in TRNP using a linear forage allocation model.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Westfall, Jerry
- Date of Issue
- 1989-10
- Publisher
- Montana State University
- Units
- THRO
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Animals, Carrying Capacity, Elk (Cervus elaphus), Habitats, Human Impact, Mammals, Migration, Population, reintroduction (elk), Ungulates