Production and survival of elk (Cervus elaphus) calves in Michigan

American Midland Naturalist
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

We determined production and survival of elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) calves in Michigan using a variety of methods to index herd productivity. Calf production in Michigan was comparable with the highest rates ever recorded for North American elk. Calf survival averaged 0.90 (SD = 0.05), 0.97 (SD = 0.04) and 0.87 (SD = 0.05) for summer, winter and annually, 1987-1991. Calf survival rates in Michigan were higher than in other North American elk populations. Continued high calf production, in combination with high calf survival, indicates that elk condition is excellent in Michigan, as habitat quality allows cow elk to breed and successfully raise a calf, essentially every year, despite the high energetic demands associated with late gestation and lactation.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Production and survival of elk (Cervus elaphus) calves in Michigan
Series title American Midland Naturalist
DOI 10.1674/0003-0031(2002)148[0163:PASOEC]2.0.CO;2
Volume 148
Issue 1
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher BioOne
Contributing office(s) New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Description 9 p.
First page 163
Last page 171
Country United States
State Michigan
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details