Mineral licks as a sodium source for Isle Royale moose
K L Risenhoover1, R O Peterson1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 49931, Houghton, MI, USA.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Moose on Isle Royale extensively use mineral licks, especially in spring and summer, to ingest sodium. This study found licks are a more concentrated sodium source than aquatic plants for moose.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Natural mineral licks are vital resources for ungulates.
- Previous research suggested aquatic plants were the primary sodium source for Isle Royale moose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and utilization of mineral licks by moose (Alces alces) on Isle Royale.
- To determine the role of mineral licks as a sodium source for moose.
Main Methods:
- Field observations of moose behavior at mineral licks from 1982-1985.
- Analysis of lick distribution in relation to geological features.
- Measurement of sodium ingestion rates at licks and comparison with aquatic plants.
Main Results:
- Mineral licks were primarily located in western Isle Royale, associated with glacial debris.
- Moose showed distinct diel visitation patterns, with peak use in early morning.
- Sodium ingestion rates at licks (0.35 g/min) were significantly higher than from aquatic plants (0.023 g/min).
Conclusions:
- Mineral licks are a crucial and concentrated sodium source for Isle Royale moose.
- Moose actively seek out and utilize mineral licks year-round, contradicting previous assumptions.
- The importance of mineral licks challenges the notion that aquatic plants are the sole significant sodium source for this population.
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