From migration to nomadism: movement variability in a northern ungulate across its latitudinal range

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Zoology
• Wildlife Management

Background:

• Animal movement is fundamental to ecosystem function and wildlife management.
• Individual variability in movement behavior is crucial for understanding population-level patterns.
• Environmental conditions and individual needs interact to shape movement strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze individual and population-level movement differences in moose (Alces alces).
• To investigate the effects of climate, risk, and human presence on moose movements.
• To understand the drivers of diverse movement strategies like migration and nomadism.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multi-annual movement data from 213 individual moose across a 1100 km latitudinal gradient.
• Analyzed the influence of snow depth, road density, and human presence on movement patterns.
• Examined age- and sex-specific differences in migration behavior.

Main Results:

• Moose exhibited multiple movement strategies (migration, nomadism, dispersal, sedentary) influenced by environmental factors.
• Population differences in movement were linked to latitudinal variations in snow depth and road density.
• Individual moose displayed both fixed and flexible behaviors; older moose were less likely to migrate, especially with increased snow and road presence.

Conclusions:

• Animal movement dynamics are strongly influenced by environmental conditions and human impact.
• Moose migration patterns vary significantly with latitude, climate, and human factors.
• Future warming scenarios may alter moose distribution and migratory behavior, necessitating adaptive wildlife management strategies.