New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4754 , United States
Skogsstyrelsen - Swedish Forest Agency, Bryggaregatan 19-21, 503 38 Borås, Sweden
Abstract The status of moose (Alces alces) populations around the globe are incredibly varied with each geopolitical jurisdiction utilizing different management strategies and experiencing unique environmental concerns and population demographics trends. We attempted to census all geopolitical jurisdictions that currently have moose present within their political boundaries. The survey questionnaire covered topics such as population abundance and distribution, disease concerns, predation, population demographics and management methodology. We received survey responses or were able to collect information from 11 of 12 Canadian provinces, 24 states, indigenous tribes or federal lands from the United States, and 9 European countries. Survey responses indicated that populations are trending upwards in 5 jurisdictions, stable in 19, decreasing in 5 and unknown in 4. Moose populations were stable or increasing in the majority of Canadian and American jurisdictions but decreasing in the majority of European jurisdictions. Canadian and American jurisdictions cited a greater concern for parasite impacts, with winter tick (Dermacentor) and brainworm/tissue worm (Parelaphostrongylosis/Elapostrongylosis) as the primary parasites of concern. Management strategies and policies varied greatly by jurisdiction, with only 16 of the potential 43 respondents having an official population management plan, with 6 additional plans currently in development. Additionally, moose hunting is allowed in the majority of jurisdictions (n=33) but the administration methods vary greatly with ‘quotas’ and ‘lotteries’ as the most common methods (n=22). The metrics used to influence moose harvest regulations also varied greatly, but the most common metrics were population abundance (n=15), population trends (n=15) and bull:cow ratios (n=15). As jurisdictions look to the future, respondents listed population monitoring (n = 17), disease/parasites (n = 15) and habitat quality/change (n = 12) as their primary concerns or challenges for population management. Overall, our findings suggest that the global moose population has been stable over the past 5 years, however there is a collective concern about the impacts of climate change on moose through indirect environmental changes (i.e., disease and habitat change).