WEST’s Associate Statistician Matthew Crane is a co-author on the recently published research article, “Pronounced and Consistent Selection of Deciduous Shrub Habitats Near Waterways During Migration, Summer, and Winter by Moose (Alces alces) in a Partially Migratory Arctic Population”, published in Polar Biology.
This research examined habitat selection by moose within a partially migratory Arctic population during migration, summer, and winter. The study found pronounced and consistent selection of deciduous shrub habitats near waterways across all three seasonal periods, indicating that these habitats provide important resources throughout the year.
By evaluating habitat use across multiple seasons, the researchers were able to identify patterns that persisted regardless of seasonal movement behavior. The consistent use of shrub-dominated riparian areas suggests these habitats may play a key role in supporting moose populations in Arctic environments, particularly as northern ecosystems continue to experience environmental change.
These findings contribute to a broader understanding of habitat requirements for moose in the Arctic and highlight the value of long-term ecological research for informing wildlife conservation and land management decisions. The study also provides important baseline information that can support future investigations of habitat use and migration dynamics in northern ungulate populations.
Read the full publication here: Pronounced and consistent selection of deciduous shrub habitats near waterways during migration, summer, and winter by moose (Alces alces) in a partially migratory Arctic population | Polar Biology | Springer Nature Link
