Winter habitat-use patterns of elk, mule deer, and moose in southwestern Wyoming
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Authors: O. O. Oedekoven, and F. G. Lindzey
Date: 1987
Journal: Great Basin Naturalist
Volume: 47
Number: 4
Pages: 638-643
Summary of Methods: The distribution of elk, mule deer and moose on winter range in southwestern Wyoming was studied over two years. Aerial and ground surveys of ungulates were made during December and January. Animal sightings were recorded, along with the vegetation type, landscape characteristics and estimates of snow conditions for that location.
Article Summary / Main Points: Elk, mule deer and moose distribute themselves according to available vegetation communities. Mule deer and elk were affected by snow depth more than moose. Mule deer tended to use sagebrush areas with low snow accumulation. Elk were often observed on wind-swept hills but also used sagebrush communities. Moose occurred in riparian areas with deeper snow, more often than elk or deer.
Vegetation Types: Sagebrush Steppe
MLRA Ecoregions: 43B Central Rocky Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Rangelands Ungulates
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: ungulate interactions, snow cover, topography, spatial overlap
Annotation: This case study documented wildlife use on two winter range areas over two years. The findings of this study are limited to the central Rocky Mountains. Results compare habitat use to habitat availability and can therefore infer habitat preference. However, specific site conditions, such as snow levels and forage or habitat availability were not controlled which limits application to sites and conditions that vary markedly from this study.
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