Conservation Programs

Monitoring Moose

SCI Foundation partnered with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) on its moose population monitoring project. Moose populations in the Rocky Mountain West have experienced declines over the past two decades. In Montana for example it was noted that there was a decline in moose harvest rates which caused concern. Because of this, Montana embarked on a 10-year study to evaluate the most cost-effective means to monitor the population, assess population status and trends, and measure the external factors that influenced population growth.
 
Species Involved: Moose
 

Project Partners: Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks

SCIF Investment: $80,000 with partial funding coming from the Hunter Legacy Fund

Year SCIF began involvement: 2015-2017

Project Outcomes

Concern over the widespread decline in the state’s moose population, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks began a 10-year study designed to improve understanding of their statewide moose populations. It is paramount for wildlife managers to understand the current trends that impact wildlife which includes their moose populations.  Of importance, biologist need understand the specific factors influencing moose population growth (including predators, parasites, habitat, and weather).

Since 2013, Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks have been examining drivers of moose vital rates (e.g., adult survival, pregnancy, calf survival), and factors impacting annual growth of their moose populations.  We are pleased to report that Montana has recently found that their estimates for mean annual population growth indicate stable to growing populations in all three of their study areas. 

Read the 2024 Montana moose report – mfwp_moose_w-157-r_finalreport.pdf
Watch a video on Montana’s moose project – https://youtu.be/YbpYp3AxMsM

 

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