Metapopulation dynamics and space use by reintroduced elk (Cervus elaphus) in central Ontario

Abstract

Understanding population structure and resource selection is essential for wildlife management and conservation. We assessed the population structure of elk (Cervus elaphus L.,1758) in central Ontario. We used fuzzy and hierarchical cluster analyses to elucidate elk population structure based on spatial data collected from 41 radio-collared elk. We assessed space use between core and satellite subpopulations with the minimum convex polygon (MCP) and fixed kernel methods. Both fuzzy and hard clustering indicated that elk in this part of central Ontario occur in a metapopulation that includes five subpopulations. The largest cluster consisted of a core group containing 22 radio-collared elk located in Burwash, with several satellite subpopulations spread along a 50 km long north–south axis and a small subpopulation to the west located in Worthington. Survival rates among subpopulations were similar, ranging from 0.71 to 0.83, and anthropogenic causes of mortality were predominant only in the Burwash subpopulation. Space use and density of elk differed between core and satellite subpopulations. Understanding population structure is important to develop appropriate management plans. Our results support the conclusion that metapopulation structure can be reliably assessed using spatial data.