Masters Thesis

Movements, habitat use, and activity patterns of a translocated group of roosevelt elk

In March 1982, 17 Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) were captured at Gold Bluffs Beach, Humboldt County, California and translocated to an enclosure 4 km east of Shelter Cove, Humboldt County. The animals were released from the enclosure in November 1982. Data were collected for eight radio-collared animals (seven adult females and one 4-year old male) January to December 1983. The number of herds varied from one (January through March) to four (October through December). Three female herds moved 45 km, 58 km, and 84 km south of Shelter Cove, while the radio-collared male remained within 16 km of Shelter Cove. Home range locations varied seasonally. Home range sizes were largest during the summer reflecting migrational and exploratory movements. Habitat use was disproportionate to habitat availability at the home range level during each season. Cultivated grasslands and riparian areas were used in proportions greater than their availability. Coastal Prairie use was greater than that available except in the Shelter Cove area. Shrub and forest habitat types were generally used less than that available. Animal distances to nearest road and water varied seasonally, but were greatest for radio-collared females during the spring. Use of cover was greatest during spring and summer and was correlated with increased temperature and decreased cloud cover. Activity followed a diurnal pattern with extended periods of activity (two or more hours) occurring at sunrise and sunset and shorter periods (about one hour) occurring at night and during the day. The amount of activity decreased significantly (p 0.02) during the year. Animals were most active during the winter (43 percent of a 24—hour period) and least active during the fall (36 percent of a 24—hour period).

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