HISTORY, STATUS AND PRESENT DISTRIBUTION OF MOOSE IN NOVA SCOTIA

Authors

  • Mark D. Pulsifer
  • Tony L. Nette

Abstract

A brief history of moose distribution, management and hunting in Nova Scotia from first European contact to 1995 is presented. At present, the distribution of moose on mainland Nova Scotia is similar to distributions during the 1960’s, although densities are much reduced. Winter aerial surveys indicate a decrease from 0.49 moose/km2 in 1968 to 0.08 moose/km2 in 1994 for traditional moose ranges in the northern mainland. Preliminary aerial surveys in 1993 of the southwestern (Tobeatic) region of the province suggest densities may reach 0.35 moose/km2. Densities on western Cape Breton Island for 1993 range from 0.98 moose/km2 in the south to 2.80 moose/km2 in the north. Associations with deer, current forest management practices, hunting and predation are discussed as possible causes for changes in population levels and distribution. Management implications are discussed.

Downloads

Published

1995-01-01

How to Cite

Pulsifer, M. D., & Nette, T. L. (1995). HISTORY, STATUS AND PRESENT DISTRIBUTION OF MOOSE IN NOVA SCOTIA. Alces: A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 31, 209–219. Retrieved from https://www.alcesjournal.org/index.php/alces/article/view/907