Data for Moose Population Survey on Western Yukon Flats NWR - Spring, March 2008

We conducted moose surveys in the western Yukon Flats in March 2008. The population estimate for the 2,269 square mile survey area in the western Yukon Flats (Game Management Unit (GMU) 25D) was 300 moose with a certainty of +/- 20% at the 90% confidence level. Estimated population density in the high and low density areas was 0.34 and 0.05 moose per square mile, respectively, with an average density estimate of 0.13 moose per square mile. Calves comprised 11% of the population. Search times averaged 6.5 minutes per square mile. We estimated 51% fewer adults, 64% fewer calves, and 53% fewer total moose compared to the spring 2004 survey. Cows comprise a significant portion of moose harvested throughout the Yukon Flats with up to 26% of total reported harvest in the western Yukon Flats between 2002 and 2007. Although efforts to increase harvest of bears and wolves were initiated in 2002 we have not documented a positive response in the moose population. Harvest reports indicate that bear harvest increased between 2002 and 2005 in the western Yukon Flats and decreased in 2006. Harvest reports indicate wolf harvest increased through 2006 and has since decreased in the western Yukon Flats. The moose population, which has fluctuated at low densities since population estimation monitoring was initiated in 1992, has decreased likely due to mortality rates of cow and calf moose as indicated by harvest reports and low numbers of observed calves in moose surveys. Decreased bear harvest in the western Yukon Flats may be contributing to decreased calf survival. In an effort to better manage both prey and predator populations the Refuge and ADFG have implemented, or will be implementing several studies: 1) a wolf study to estimate the winter kill of moose by wolves. Kill sites will be located, the prey identified, and we will estimate the amount of prey consumed. 2) In spring 2009 and 2010 about 40 black bears will be collared to estimate the total numbers of black bear in a 500 square mile study area centered at Beaver. 3) Lastly, the Refuge will initiate a study of moose habitats in 2009/2010 to estimate the quantity and quality of habitat available for moose forage. These three studies are being conducted to better understand the relationship of moose and their predators in an effort to develop new strategies to manage both predator and prey populations on the Yukon Flats

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  "https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/Reference/Profile/179212"
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  "Tabular Dataset"
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