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Habitat use by moose was studied in the sub-boreal spruce zone of British Columbia from 1971-1973 for dry, modal and wet environments. Comparisons between burns, cutovers and undisturbed forests were based on post-winter pellet group counts and monthly checks of tagged twig transects in winter. Partially logged stands, 11-20 years old, received the greatest use; burns were used at almost comparable levels. Recent clearcuts were the least used habitat-type, especially in heavy snowbelts. The use of forests was intermediate to clearcuts, and burns and partial cutovers. For summer habitat, limited data indicated that selectively logged stands were used more than clearcuts and forests. In all habitat-types, winter use as greatest at the ecotones. Browsing rates varied considerably both within and between habitats, but were generally highest in partial cutovers. The apparent contradiction between pellet group and tagged twig data demonstrated the need to assess habitat use by more than one method. Also it revealed the importance of burns and cutovers as feeding areas in early winter, and the probable importance of forests for shelter, especially in late winter.
Cataloging Information
- British Columbia
- Canada
- cutovers
- ecotones
- fire
- forage
- habitat
- moose
- pellet counts