Response of moose forage to disturbances in central British Columbia

Moose are often assumed to benefit from disturbances because of the flush in plants they eat (forage) occurring shortly after. However, the response of moose to disturbances is complex, with moose numbers documented as increasing or decreasing as disturbances increase. Disturbances can alter the quantity and nutritional quality of forage available to moose. The change in forage following disturbances is not well understood but is important because forage is a key driver in how moose use their habitat and how many moose a landscape can support.
This research investigates summer forage quantity and quality across three disturbance types through time: (1) clearcuts, (2) forests that were burned and planted with trees, (3) forests that were burned and have natural tree growth. We will also investigate how moose are using these disturbances. This knowledge will be used to better understand the mechanisms contributing to moose population change (increases or declines).

Faculty Supervisor:

Jennifer Baltzer

Student:

Partner:

Bulkley Valley Research Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Wilfrid Laurier University

Program: