HABITAT DETERIORATION AND THE MIGRATORY BEHAVIOR OF MOOSE (ALCES-ALCES L) IN NORWAY

(1) The population of moose (Alces alces) at Gausdal Vestfjell in central Norway migrate from low-lying summer areas to winter areas situated at higher altitudes. This is contrary to the general pattern of migration among herbivores. (2) Archaeological evidence along the migration route shows that the migratory behaviour of this population follows a traditional pattern that has been unchanged since 5000 B.P. despite a deterioration in the quality of their winter range through the loss of high quality pine forests. (3) The low calf production of the GV population (0.6 calves per cow greater-than-or-equal-to 2 years), compared with neighbouring populations (0.79-1.27 calves per cow greater-than-or-equal-to 2 years) are likely to reflect poor winter ranges. (4) Migratory traditions in moose appear to log behind environmental changes, and changing migratory routes to utilise better quality range may take many generations.