Big Game Survival Study
In January 2005, Fish and Game biologists began the largest big game research project ever conducted in Idaho, and possibly the west. Wild ungulate (deer, elk and moose) herds are growing in some parts of the state, and declining in others. Changing habitats and expanding wolf populations prompted the Department to begin the project.
Weed invasion, fire suppression, and human development have altered the many habitats that Idaho's deer, elk, and moose depend on. Additionally, since they were introduced in 1995 the population of wolves in Idaho has expanded to more than 500 individuals statewide. By radio-collaring animals and following them throughout their lives, the Department will learn how large carnivores and changing habitats are impacting big game animals. Knowing more about what makes big game populations increase, decrease, or remain stable will lead to management actions that will meet Idahoan's goals for each of these species. Fish and Game is able to conduct the large project with the help of extra funding for ungulate/wolf monitoring from Congress through the Governor's Office of Species Conservation.
More than 900 deer, elk, and moose are being followed in Game Management Units 8A, 10, 12, 15, 23, 24, 28, 32, 32A, 36A, 36B, 39, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, and 60A. The Department also hopes to expand monitoring into wilderness areas in Idaho. These Units represent the majority of habitats and weather patterns that ungulates inhabit throughout the state. Additionally, the Units have differing densities of large carnivores, including black bear, mountain lions, and wolves. Because of the landscape scale approach, results are expected to be valid throughout Idaho. Biologists are closely monitoring 400 plus elk, and 450 plus deer of all ages, along with 35 moose to learn about their habits and survival.
Deer, elk, and moose are being monitored for survival and cause-specific mortality. Determining cause of death in wildlife is determined by conducting a necropsy. Click on the sidebar link to learn more about the process.
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Researchers will be looking closely at what proportion of mortality is compensatory versus additive. Additive mortality refers to the death of an animal which would otherwise remain alive. Compensatory mortality refers to the death of an animal which would have died from another cause. For example, if a coyote kills a fawn that is starving to death in mid-winter, the death would be considered compensatory, since that fawn would likely die from malnutrition or some other cause. It compensates for some other cause of death, but does not add to the normal amount of mortality the herd would experience. On the other hand, if a cougar takes out a healthy moose calf that has a thick layer of fat in late spring, the death might be considered additive. It adds to the amount of mortality the herd would experience if the predator didn't cause the death. Knowing the difference between compensatory and additive mortality factors will help the Department assure management of predators and big game animals will achieve desired goals.
Information about this project will periodically be updated, so we encourage you to check back, as together we learn about the factors affecting Idaho's precious wildlife resources.