Range expansion by moose into coastal temperate rainforests of British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Ranges of species are dynamic and respond to long-term climate change and contemporary effects such as habitat modification. We report here that moose ( Alces alces ) have recently colonized coastal temperate rainforests of British Columbia, Canada. Contrary to recent publications, field observations of moose and their sign, combined with their occurrence in wolf ( Canis lupus ) faeces, suggest that moose are now widespread on the coastal mainland and occur on least three islands. Traditional ecological knowledge (information accumulated by aboriginal peoples about their environment) suggests that colonization occurred during the mid 1900s, concomitant with logging of major watersheds that bisect the Coast Mountain Range. Range expansion by moose may have ecological consequences such as alteration of predatorprey dynamics and transmission of disease to native deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ).

Isotopic evidence of salmon, <em>Oncorhynchus spp.</em>, in the diet of the Wolverine, <em>Gulo gulo</em>, on Princess Royal Island, British Columbia

“…Ungulates, such as moose (Alces americanus) and Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), which are commonly found in the diet of Wolverines elsewhere (lofroth et al 2007), are most likely not present on the island (Darimont et al 2005, Shackleton 1999.…”

Natural range extension, sampling artifact, or human mediated translocations? Range limits of Northern type Semnopithecus entellus (Dufresne, 1797) (Primates: Cercopithecidae: Colobinae) in peninsular India

“…Therefore range contractions or expansions may also have economic, management, and safety implications in wildlife management (Darimont et al 2005). Here we report the range limits of one of the morphotypes of Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus entellus, one of the most widely distributed common species of primate in India.…”

Facts from Faeces: Prey Remains in Wolf, <em>Canis lupus</em>, Faeces Revise Occurrence Records for Mammals of British Columbia's Coastal Archipelago

“…Moose have not been reported previously on islands of British Columbia and are thought to range only in localised areas of major mainland rivers and the heads of inlets (Nagorsen 1990;Shackleton 1999;Blood 2000; but see Darimont et al 2005). Mammals documented on islands not previously surveyed included other representatives of Cervidae and Mustelidae, as well as Ursidae and Castoridae (Table 1).…”