Movements, Resource Selection, And Risk Analyses For Parasitic Disease In An Expanding Moose Population In The Northern Great Plains

<p>Little is known regarding moose ecology in North Dakota, and a decline in moose in northeastern North Dakota may be linked to parasites of white-tailed deer (<em>Parelaphostrongylus tenuis</em> and <em>Fascioloides magna</em>). I investigated the ecology of moose, including the potential effects of parasitic disease. I used global positioning system collars to estimate home ranges and habitat selection and collected fecal samples for diet estimates. I reviewed historical data and examined livers moose for evidence of <em>F. magna</em> infection. I examined 3730 white-tailed deer for <em>P. tenuis</em> and investigated whether prevalence had increased since 1991. I modeled the relationship of climate, habitat and deer density to <em>P. tenuis</em> prevalence and sampled gastropod intermediate hosts to determine habitats functioning in <em>P. tenuis</em> transmission. I estimated moose harvest rates, investigated climate trends, and compared moose population trends to climate for three areas. Finally, I created a risk map for <em>P. tenuis</em> infection that incorporated climate, deer density and habitat.</p> <p>Home ranges (F1 = 30.9, P < 0.001) and habitat use (F 1 = 30.9, P < 0.001) differed between study sites. Moose selected for wooded habitats, and primarily consumed woody browse (> 65%). Habitat spatial pattern likely influenced home range size, and moose range expansion to the prairie appears related to human-induced habitat change. Historical data revealed that <em>F. magna</em> is endemic to North Dakota, although this parasite was absent in moose livers collected from 2002-2003. This parasite is probably not a primary factor in moose declines, and a lack of permanent wetlands may limit transmission. <em>P. tenuis</em>prevalence in deer was 14%, and had increased since 1991 (P = 0.05). A model of growing season precipitation, winter temperature, and growing season temperature best predicted prevalence (r2 = 0.84). Gastropod sampling suggested that woodlands are critical to <em>P. tenuis</em> transmission. Harvest rates ranged from 16.8-26.7%. Summer temperatures were cooler; May-June precipitation increased, and growing season lengthened. In northeastern North Dakota, <em>P. tenuis</em>risk was higher, and population trends were correlated with climate. Moose declines are likely due to overexploitation and increasing <em>P. tenuis</em> transmission resulting from a wetter climate and increased deer abundance.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2008

Author dc:creator

• Maskey, James J., Jr.

• Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.und.edu/theses/718

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.und.edu:theses-1721