An Evaluation of Visual Location Data from Neck-Collared Moose
Bailey TN, Franzmann AW, Arneson PD, Davis JL. 1983. An Evaluation of Visual Location Data from Neck-Collared Moose. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 47(1):25-30
Visual location data from moose (Alces alces) neck-collared on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska between 1968 and 1975 were evaluated for identifying populations, key habitats, and seasonal movements. Of 636 collared moose, 438 (69%) were later observed. Of these, 73% were males and 68% were females. For individual moose, 36% were located once and 80% were located _4 times with an average of 2.8 locations/moose. Of 1,775 visual locations, 97% were obtained during survey flights or reported by the general public; hunter kills provided 3%. Survey flights averaged 2.7 hours, 2.3 collared moose were observed/hour and the average 1970-76 air charter cost was $17.75/observation. Locations of collared moose were biased by season, road access, habitat type, and collar design. Key winter habitats for moose were identified, but populations, other seasonal habitats, and seasonal movements were difficult to determine. Comparisons of visual and radio collaring costs and benefits are made with recommendations.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Bailey, Theodore; Franzmann, Albert; Arneson, Paul; Davis, James
- Units
- CAKN , DENA , WRST , YUCH
- Keywords
- Alces alces, Distribution, Mammals, Movements