Winter Habitat Associations of a Low-Density Moose (Alces americanus) Population in Central Labrador.

Alces americanus (Moose) are relatively new to Labrador, having only colonized the area in the late 1940s, and little is known about this population. We conducted large-scale aerial surveys for Moose in a 122,000-km² area during winter 2000 and in a 29,900-km² area in winter 2001. Moose densities were low in each area (1.6-3.0 Moose per 100 km²). Bull:cow ratios were nearly even and calf:cow ratios were relatively high, indicative of a population exposed to little hunting or predation pressure. Twinning rates were low, suggesting low range productivity. Moose used riparian areas and hardwood stands in higher proportion than their availability in winter (P < 0.05). Open habitats (conifer-lichen woodlands, bogs and fens, burned forest, and barren areas) were used in lower proportion than their availability. These data may provide the basis for developing habitat suitability maps for Moose in late winter across central Labrador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]