The trend for this population has been increasing since 2013 this is the first year since 2013 that elk numbers have fallen from the previous year. Trends in elk populations are best assessed by considering multiple years of survey data together. Though overall elk numbers are down this year as compared to 2018, it is not unusual to observe fluctuations in numbers of elk counted due to survey quality, elk movements and sightability of elk, which vary with conditions, according to staff biologists. Below-average yearling bull and calf recruitment is likely to result in lower numbers of brow-tined bulls being recruited into the population over the next two years. It is likely that additional winter mortalities will occur into spring, further reducing overall numbers and recruitment. This is the second consecutive year with calf ratios below the threshold of 20 calves per 100 cows considered necessary to maintain a stable population. Brow-tined bull numbers increased by 21.3 percent from 432 observed in 2016 to 524 observed in 2019. Staff observed 16 percent fewer cows, 46 percent fewer calves, and 42 percent fewer yearling bulls as compared to the 2016 classification survey. Brow-tined bull ratios were higher than recent surveys, but below long-term average. Calf and yearling bull ratios were lower than recent surveys and long-term averages. Of the 5,800 elk counted, staff classified 5,510 elk by age and sex, resulting in ratios of 15.2 calves, 5.2 yearling bulls and 12.6 brow-tined bulls per 100 cows. The long-term average of observed elk numbers since surveys began in 1976 is 10,634 elk, with a peak high count of 19,045 elk in 1994 and a low count of 3,915 elk observed in 2013. The total of 5,800 elk was 23 percent lower than the 7,579 elk observed during the 2018 trend count. Staff counted 5,800 elk, including 1,361 elk (23.5 percent) inside Yellowstone, and 4,149 elk (71.5 percent) north of the park. Survey conditions were favorable across the region, however winter conditions were severe, and many elk were observed to be in poor condition. This survey was conducted consistent with the 2016 classification survey in order to assess population changes over the past three years. This year the surveys were combined, and elk were counted and classified by helicopter.Īll observed elk were counted across the survey area, and when possible staff also classified elk by age and sex. Typically, an annual trend count is conducted by fixed-wing aircraft to count the total number of elk, and a separate helicopter survey is conducted to classify elk by age and sex in order to estimate calf and yearling bull survival and ratios of mature bulls in the population. The survey was conducted from a helicopter by staff from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, which is part of the Working Group. The Northern Yellowstone Cooperative Wildlife Working Group conducted its annual late winter classification of the northern Yellowstone elk population on March 17-19. While the overall count of 5,800 elk is down nearly 25 percent from a year ago, the total remains slightly above the ten-year average of 5,399, a park release said. Oil Trains Pose A Significant Threat To National ParksĮlk numbers in Yellowstone's northern herd are down nearly 25 percent from a year ago/NPS fileĮlk numbers are down in Yellowstone National Park's northern herd, and biologists say poor calf survival likely will prevent a rebound in the next two years.The Care And Keeping Of History Within The National Park System.Wastewater And Sewer Facilities Failing In National Parks.Private Philanthropy Fills The Gaps Of Deferred Maintenance.National Park Roads And Bridges Impacted By Lack Of Maintenance.NPS Is Running $670 Million Behind On Caring For Maintained Landscapes.Mixing Energy Development And National Parks.Maintenance Backlog Impacts Historic Structures In National Parks.Lack Of Dollars Crippling National Park Facilities For Staff And Visitors.Invasive Species A Plague On the National Park System.Groups Continually At Work To Acquire Private Lands Key To National Parks.Backlog Of Maintenance Needs Creates Risks In National Parks.Tackling The Maintenance Backlog In The Park System.Coping With 21st Century Wildfires In The Parks.Mixing Oil And Water At Big Cypress National Preserve.Not Enough Water And Too Many Invasives At Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.Colorado River Series-Canyonlands National Park.Special Reports Toggle submenu for Special Reports.Understanding Climate Change Impacts On National Parks.Get the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |