IDAHO — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will deploy GPS collars to study elk and moose calves, focusing on their habitats and survivability.
According to the department, data from collars placed on adult cow elk and moose over the past several years show that their survival rates are relatively high and stable across the state. However, the situation is much different for elk and moose calves, whose survival rates are much lower and more variable, which is typical for most animals during their first year of life.
Variations in survival can impact a population’s ability to grow or even remain stable. Monitoring calf survival over time provides the department with a more complete understanding of factors influencing changes in elk and moose populations, helping to predict future trends.
For moose in particular, a key gap in knowledge is the survival rate of calves between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Understanding what happens during this critical six-month period could provide insights into what is limiting moose populations in Idaho.
The department said that they plan to deploy about 70 collars on moose and elk calves in 2025.
“When an animal has a collar on it, we learn so much about habitats it uses, when and where it moves and if it dies, what caused it to die. All of this allows us to make informed decisions when it comes to season setting, tag numbers and predator management,” said Barb Moore, regional wildlife biologist for the Idaho Panhandle.
