Decimated Moose Population Attributed to Brain Worm, Predators and Habitat Factors
Submitted on Feb 22, 2011 (Original item from January 2011)
Wildlife and Exotics | International Research | Preservation or Restoration | Wildlife
by
More Information...
More Information...
Short Description:
An aerial survey of the moose population in Wildlife Management Areas 7A Aulneau Peninsula and 7B Lake of the Woods conducted in January 2011 resulted in a count of 42 moose and a projected population of about 300 moose for both areas combined.
Abstract:
Experts say the current population estimate of 300 moose is about equal to 10% of the peak population numbers calculated in the 1990s. Factors contributing to this decline in population include brain worm, a high deer population, and habitat. Deer are the source of the brain worm parasite, and they also support a large wolf population which prey on moose.
Forest fires in the area have also taken their toll on the moose population, and in the last few years a large outbreak of moose ticks left the animals hairless and susceptible to many diseases.
Winter weather also plays a factor in the moose population count. Scientists predict a severe winter ahead, which will likely affect the deer population in a negative way; as the number of deer decline, the number of moose will likely increase.
Spot Check Number:
1615
Sponsor:
Ministry of Natural Resources Kenora District
Animal Type:
Wildlife
Record Type:
News Article
Research Method:
In Person Interview/Survey
Geographic Region:
International
Number of Participants:
300
Population Descriptors:
Moose
Year Conducted:
January 2011
File Attachments: You must be logged in to access attachments (see login and registration links above)
Email this Research Citation
PLEASE SUPPORT NONPROFIT RESEARCH FOR ANIMALS
Did you find this research helpful in your work for animals? If so, please consider a donation to the Humane Research Council to help us with the costs of maintaining, expanding, and improving HumaneSpot.org.
Post new comment