(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - elk
OTHER COMMON NAMES - elk, Roosevelt, deer, red and wapiti
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Mammals
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - ,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - ,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Cervus,
SPECIES AND SSP - elaphus, roosevelti
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Cervus elaphus roosevelti
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 232
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Migrant
See Comments
REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 232
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages elk, which are migratory
*232*.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Distribution
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 232
LAND USE -
Forest Land
Evergreen Forest Land
Snow or Ice: All Classes
REFERENCES FOR LAND USE - 232
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The subspecies Roosevelt elk inhabitats the timbered Pacific coast of
Washington, Oregon, northwestern California. Where available,
spruce-timbered areas are used by elk most during December through March,
apparently because they provide extra cover and because snow depths are less
*232*.
Feeding Locations: There is considerable overlap in the use of habitat
during spring, winter, and fall, depending on snow conditions.
Spring: Alder (Alnum spp.) communities.
Summer: Alpine habitat.
Fall: Alder communities.
Winter: Spruce (Picea sitchensis); timbered areas typically on south and
southeast-facing slopes adjacent to beach fringes where available. Elk
wintering on Tonki and Raspberry islands use heath-type habitat, which
grows at or near sea level on windblown capes and bluffs *232*.
Reproductive Habitat: Most calving occurs at lower elevation in spruce
timber *232*.
ANIMAL/PLANT SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
Brown bear
Sitka black-tailed deer
REFERENCES FOR SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - 232
COMMENTS ON SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
Predators: Brown bears are the only animal on the islands capable of preying
on elk. Although preadation of elk by brown bears currently does not appear
to be a major mortality factor, the killing of an adult female elk by a
brown bear has been documented. A study has observed on two occasions brown
bears that were apparently stalking elk herds *232*.
Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) feed on many of the
same food plants as elk on Afognak, which could lead to increasing
competition as populations increase *232*.
POTENTIAL NATURAL VEGETATION -
115 Alder thickets (Alnus)
099 Northern Hardwoods - Spruce Forest (Acer-Betula-Fagus
REFERENCES FOR PNV - 232
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
HERBIVORE/BROWSER
HERBIVORE/GRAZER
REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 232
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Plants Not Specified
General Onagraceae Not Specified
General Leguminosae Not Specified
General Rosaceae Not Specified
General Umbelliferae Not Specified
General Umbelliferae Not Specified
General Corn Not Specified
General Caryophyllaceae Not Specified
General Poaceae Not Specified
Important Caprifoliaceae Not Specified
General Caprifoliaceae Not Specified
Important Salicaceae Not Specified
General Salicaceae Not Specified
General Cyperaceae Not Specified
General Sphenopsida Not Specified
General Pteropsida Buds
General Araliaceae Buds
REFERENCES FOR GENERAL FOOD - 232
REFERENCES FOR IMPORTANT FOOD - 232
COMMENTS ON FOOD -
Relatively little quantitative information exists concerning seasonal diets
of elk on Afognak Island. Food preferences of these elk have been found to
be quite diverse. There is a great abundance of vascular plants on Afognak
Island; because of this, the elk's diet includes a large variety of
succulent and woody plant species *232*.
During summer feeding observations conducted on southwestern Afognak, the
following plants were found to be utilized by grazing elk: fireweed
(Epilobium angustifolium), lupine (Lupinus nootktensis), burnet (Sanguisorba
sitchensis), cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), sea lovage (Lipusticum
hultenii), hellebore (Veratrum eschscholtzii), and water chickweed (Montia
spp.) *232*.
Consumption of grasses and forbs begins to decrease with the arrival of fall
because then species become dry and apparently less palatable. Gradually
the fall diets of elk begin to include a few perrenial forbs, notably
fireweed, and an abundance of browse species, including elderberry (Sambucus
racemosa) and highbush cranberry (Viburnum edule) *232*.
During winter months elk on Afognak feed almost exclusively on browse, with
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
elderberry and willow (Salix spp.) the most important species. During late
winter, elk have been observed to heavily utilize the cured tops of
hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa), which occurs in scattered stands in some
of the lowland valleys, but grasses are not generally regarded as a major
food item in the winter diet of these elk *232*.
During spring, the consumption of grasses and grasslike plants and perennial
forbs increases with the development of new growth. Sedges (Carex spp.),
horsetail (Equisetum spp.), wild celery (Angelica lucida), bluejoint
(Calamagrostis canadensis), and cow parsnip are also heavily utilized, as
are the buds of fern (Anthyrum cyclosorum) and devil's club (Oplopanax
horridus) *232*.
Feeding Locations: There is considerable overlap in the use of habitat
during spring, winter, and fall, depending on snow conditions.
Spring: Alder (Alnum spp.) communities.
Summer: Alpine habitat.
Fall: Alder communities.
Winter: Spruce (Picea sitchensis); timbered areas typically on south and
southeast-facing slopes adjacent to beach fringes where available. Elk
wintering on Tonki and Raspberry islands use heath-type habitat, which
grows at or near sea level on windblown capes and bluffs *232*.
Factors Limiting Availability of Food: Heavy snowfall and overgrazing by
elk can sufficiently reduce forage to cause malnutrition, resulting in
severe winter mortality *232*.
Food Habits - 2 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coniferous Forest: Specified in Comments
FA Hardwood Forest: Alder
FA Elevation: Specified in Comments
FA Coniferous Forest: Specified in Comments
FA Slope: Specified in Comments
BA Elevation: Specified in Comments
BA Coniferous Forest: Specified in Comments
FA Aspect: Southeast
FA Aspect: South
FA Coastal Features: Specified in Comments
REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS -
Aquatic: Because of its widespread availability, water does not appear to
be a limiting factor for elk on Afognak Island *232*.
Terrestrial: A wide variety of vegetation and terrain can be used by elk
as escape cover. Use of escape cover varies seasonally and by sex and
reproductive status. Brown bears are the only animal on the islands
capable of preying on elk. Although preadation of elk by brown bears
currently does not appear to be a major mortality factor, the killing of an
adult female elk by a brown bear has been documented. A study has observed
on two occasions brown bears that were apparently stalking elk herds.
Where available, spruce-timbered areas are used as elk most during December
through March, apparently because they provide extra cover and because snow
depths are less *232*.
COMMENTS ON FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONTAL ASSOC_ -
Feeding Locations: There is considerable overlap in the use of habitat
during spring, winter, and fall, depending on snow conditions.
Spring: Alder (Alnum spp.) communities.
Summer: Alpine habitat.
Fall: Alder communities.
Winter: Spruce (Picea sitchensis); timbered areas typically on south and
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
southeast-facing slopes adjacent to beach fringes where available. Elk
wintering on Tonki and Raspberry islands use heath-type habitat, which
grows at or near sea level on windblown capes and bluffs *232*.
COMMENTS ON BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Most calving occurs at lower elevation in spruce timber *232*.
Environment Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
LIFE HISTORY
Reproductive Habitat: Most calving occurs at lower elevation in spruce
timber *232*.
Reproductive Seasonality: Most calving occurs in early June, although calf
tracks have been observed as early as 23 May. Bulging begins in early
September and continues through early October. Most breeding activity
occurs during the last weeks of September *232*.
Age At Sexual Maturity: Female elk can successfully breed at 1.5 years,
although the frequency of successful breeding in yearling cows varies among
populations and from year to year in the same population. Male elk can
successfully breed at 1.5 years, but because of behavioral patterns larger
bulls tend to do most of the breeding. Bulls generally are in their prime at
ages 6 to 11 *232*.
Fecundity: Elk generally produce one calf per year, although twinning is
not unknown *232*.
Home Range: Home range sizes varied between 13.7 and 39.4 mi2 and averaged
22.8 mi2. Winter home ranges were smaller, ranging from 1.2 to 7.3 mi2 and
averaging 3.2 mi2. However, there appears to be some overlap between the
ranges of adjacent herds, and some interchange of animals is suspected
*232*.
Factors Influencing Populations:
Natural: Severe winter weather can cause severe losses of elk *232*.
Human-related: A summary of possible impacts from human-related
activities includes: pollution of water and/or food supply; reduction of
food supply; alteration of habitat; disturbance/displacement; barriers to
seasonal movement; and overharvest *232*.
Predators: Brown bears are the only animal on the islands capable of preying
on elk. Although preadation of elk by brown bears currently does not appear
to be a major mortality factor, the killing of an adult female elk by a
brown bear has been documented. A study has observed on two occasions brown
bears that were apparently stalking elk herds *232*.
Competition: Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) feed on
many of the same food plants as elk on Afognak, which could lead to
increasing competition as populations increase *232*.
Special Considerations:
1. Elk on Raspberry and Afognak islands are the result of transplants in
1928 *232*.
2. Drastic declines in elk numbers as a result of severe winters were
documented. The decline was from 1,200-1,500 elk in 1965 to an
estimated 500 animals by 1976. However, the elk populaton has since
increased to over 1,200 animals *232*.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
3. Much of the land occupied by elk is privately owned and may be
subject to logging. The effect of logging and associated road access
on elk habitat on Afognak and Raspberry islands is not clearly
understood *232*.
4. State and borough land sales on Raspberry Island may be detrimental
to elk where changes in land use result in habitat deterioration or
loss *232*.
LIFE HISTORY CODES -
Foraging Strategy: Grazing
Foraging Strategy: Browsing
Breeding/Spawning Season: May
Breeding/Spawning Season: June
Breeding/Spawning Season: September
Breeding/Spawning Season: October
Number of Broods/Litters (Reproductive Efforts) Per Ye
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: 1
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: 2
Home Range Size: Greater than 100 acres
Home Range Size: 20 - 100 acres
REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 232
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Establishing/maintaining nesting and escape cover
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Developing/maintaining habitat diversity
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Adverse Migration barriers
Beneficial Regulating harvest of species being described
Beneficial Other management practices [specified in comments]
Adverse Other management practices [specified in comments]
REFERENCES FOR BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 232
REFERENCES FOR ADVERSE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 232
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Factors Influencing Populations:
Human-related: A summary of possible impacts from human-related
activities includes: pollution of water and/or food supply; reduction of
food supply; alteration of habitat; disturbance/displacement; barriers to
seasonal movement; and overharvest *232*.
Much of the land occupied by elk is privately owned and may be subject to
logging. The effect of logging and associated road access on elk habitat on
Afognak and Raspberry islands is not clearly understood *232*.
State and borough land sales on Raspberry Island may be detrimental to elk
where changes in land use result in habitat deterioration or loss *232*.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species elk
Species Id M050035
Date 26 AUG 96
References
232 * State of Alaska Department of Fish, and Game. 1986. Alaska
Habitat Management Guide: Life Histories and Habitat
Requirements of Fish and Wildlife. (ed.). Alaska Department of
Fish and Game Juneau, Alaska:763.
References - 1