LE3 .A278 1976

1976

Dodds, Donald

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

Two aerial inventories for moose in the Nova Scotia counties of Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, and Antigonish are described. The findings and results of the inventories are discussed. The 1975 technique, using fixed-wing aircraft to fly transects and report all sightings of moose or tracks, and helicopters to count the animals at the sightings, is recommended for future use in Nova Scotia. It is applicable to other areas with similar terrain and forest vegetation, but especially the same type of snow cover and weather conditions. The four county moose herd was found to number, in March, 1975, approximately one quarter of the animals reported by the last worker, who conducted a census in 1968. A recommendation to extend the moratorium on hunting moose is a direct result. Conducting a mini-census each year, as is also recommended, will provide information essential to proper management and planning for the next open season. A section on management is included. · All animals which were sighted appeared to be in excellent physical condition and one third of the cows accompanied by young of the year had twins. It is considered a reasonable conclusion that these are healthy animals, and that their numbers are below the carrying capacity of range. Management deals primarily with means of removing hardwoods in the higher elevations to promote new growth as food for the ungulates.

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