The effect of snow depth on movement rates of GPS-collared moose

• DOI: 10.1007/s10344-023-01650-w
• Publication Date: 2023-02-07T13:32:47Z
• Authors: M. Melin; J. Matala; L. Mehtätalo; J. Pusenius; T. Packalen
• Keywords: Splines; hirvi; Ecology; Movement; Winter; 577; Moose; lumi; paikkatietoanalyysi; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; ekologia; hirvieläimet; Climate change; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract During deep snow conditions, wildlife must balance between minimizing movements to conserve energy while seeking high amounts of browse gain the energy. Knowledge how begins hinder their is therefore vital when predicting wintertime behavior. We assessed phenomenon with moose. Movement data from 122 GPS-collared moose were integrated depth designated measurement stations. The effects increasing depths on movement rates then modeled spline regression. study was conducted in Finland, 2009 and 2011. known for sex presence calf at heel. On average, decreased sharply until ca. 30–40 cm, after which further significant decreases not seen. several kilometers per day less than 500 m day. Moose northernmost area deepest covers moved as much other areas snow. Although we saw differences males females, individuals markedly higher those caused by or a are keystone species whose heavy browsing, especially during winter, can have profound vegetation forest regeneration. As large parts boreal zone predicted decrease due warming climate, they affect local will remain relevant questions.