%0 Journal Article
%T Elk (Cervus elaphus) Seasonal Habitat Selection in a Heterogeneous Forest Structure
%A Jesse N. Popp
%A David N. C. McGeachy
%A Josef Hamr
%J International Journal of Forestry Research
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/415913
%X Seasonal habitat selection by the reintroduced Burwash elk population, approximately 30ˋkm south of Sudbury, Ontario, has been analysed in order to assist in the development of future management. Twenty-five adult females were radio-collared and tracked 1每3 times a week for 3 years. The most prominent patterns included selection of intolerant hardwood forests (trembling aspen, white birch, and balsam poplar) during all seasons, while Great Lakes-St. Lawrence pines (white and red pine dominated stands) were used less than expected based on availability for all seasons. The selection patterns are likely associated with seasonal climatic conditions and forage preferences. Because the selection behaviours displayed here varied greatly from other elk habitat studies, it is suggested that managers consider the importance of population-specific habitat studies before developing related strategies. 1. Introduction Historically, elk (Cervus elaphus) were distributed across many regions of Canada [1每3]. Due to human competition for land, throughout the 1800s, elk populations across North America were severely depressed and extirpated in some areas [2]. After unsuccessful attempts to reintroduce elk into Ontario in the 1930s and 1940s, more recent (1998每2001) reintroductions resulted in the successful establishment of elk populations including those introduced to the Burwash region, approximately 30ˋkm south of Sudbury, Ontario [4每8]. Now considered acclimated to their surroundings in Burwash [9], habitat selection of this population must be assessed in order to assist in management strategies. Elk habitat selection has been well documented throughout much of the species＊ Western range in North America [10每16]. Many factors influence elk habitat selection, including food availability and quality, shelter, cover, predator avoidance, temperature, water availability, elevation, slope, and snow conditions [17每19]. Density of conspecifics may also influence selection [20, 21]. Habitat use in relation to forest cover and productive foraging habitats has been well studied in elk [22每27]; however, selection of forest cover types in heterogeneous forest structures remains less clear. Habitat use decisions vary with resource availability, and the knowledge of regional habitat selection is important for wildlife management strategies [28]. Habitat selection by the Burwash elk population has been previously studied; however, many of its aspects are still in need for examination. It has long been accepted that habitat selection is a hierarchical process that may vary with
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/2013/415913/