Movements and location of home range of Moose, Alces Alces, in eastern Quebec

Fifty-seven Moose (Alces alces) were monitored by telemetry in eastern Queb ec between 1989 and 1991, The 1034 telemetry locations allowed characteriza tion of the movement pattern of juvenile Moose and adults of both sexes on a seasonal and yearly basis (i.e. summer, fall, winter). The population was characterised by restricted daily movements, large home ranges, and non-mi gratory animals. The minimum daily movements varied considerably between in dividuals but were estimated at 0.22 km/day. Summer minimum daily distances differed significantly (P < 0.01) between juveniles (0.34 km/d), adult fem ales (0.14 km/d) and adult males (0.20 km/d). Minimum daily movements were more important in fall (0.28 km/d) than in winter (0.12 km/d; P < 0.05). In summer, minimum daily movements were intermediate (0.21 km/d) compared to fall and winter values. The total home range size, as estimated with the mi nimum convex polygon, was 112 km(2) and 131 km(2) respectively for adult fe males and males and 66 km(2) for juveniles. On an annual basis, home range sizes did not differ (P > 0.05) between juveniles and adults, nor between a dult males and females. For females, the smallest home ranges (19 km(2)) we re noted in fall. The space utilisation patterns of Moose in eastern Quebec could be influenced by the low population densities, the absence of effici ent predators, the low incidence of lakes, and by the skewed sex-ratio towa rds females induced by heavy hunting.