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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Protocol for Assessing the Relative Effects of Environment and Genetics on Antler and Body Growth for a Long-lived Cervid

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Published on: August 8, 2017

Multiscale Resource Selection for a Reintroduced Elk Population.

Braiden A Quinlan¹, Brett R Jesmer¹, Jacalyn P Rosenberger²

¹Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI

|April 14, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Female elk in Virginia utilize reclaimed coal mines and conifer forests, selecting these areas for habitat and resources. Management of these sites is crucial for elk populations, especially during winter and late gestation.

Keywords:

Cervus canadensis continuous-time movement modeling habitat selection reintroduction restoration surface coal mine translocation

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Area of Science:

Wildlife ecology
Habitat selection
Movement ecology

Background:

Elk (Cervus canadensis) were reintroduced to southwestern Virginia from 2012-2014.
Understanding elk acclimation post-translocation is vital for conservation.
Previous translocations were successful on reclaimed surface coal mines.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate seasonal resource selection of elk at second and third orders.
To determine how elk utilize reclaimed surface mines and surrounding habitats.
To assess factors influencing habitat selection based on terrain and land cover.

Main Methods:

Utilized GPS-collared adult female elk location data (n=33) from 2019-2022.
Employed continuous-time movement models and generalized linear mixed-effects modeling.
Analyzed remotely sensed terrain and land cover data.

Main Results:

Female elk consistently selected reclaimed surface mines, conifer forests, ridgetops, and low terrain roughness areas.
Mixed hardwood and oak forests were avoided year-round.
Unmined open land was selected during winter and late gestation (third-order selection).

Conclusions:

Reclaimed surface mines provide essential habitat for elk in Virginia.
Habitat management of these post-mining sites benefits elk populations.
Elk exhibit distinct resource selection patterns influenced by season and metabolic needs.