Selected skeletal morphology and pathology of moose from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, and Isle Royale, Michigan

Abstract

Age-specific parameters of growth and incidence of skeletal pathology were determined for moose populations at Kenai, Alaska, and Isle Royale, Michigan, primarily from skeletal remains of wolf-killed animals. Growth patterns, determined from the metatarsus, were similar for the two populations, with cessation of growth after the third summer. Kenai moose were consistently larger than Isle Royale moose after the first summer, with an average asymptote for metatarsal growth 3% greater. Size of Isle Royale calves was inversely correlated with winter severity prior to birth. The incidence of debilitating arthritis and periodontal disease increased with age, with a similar age of onset among female moose from both populations. Coxofemoral arthritis (degenerative joint disease) occurred more often among old (> 10 years) female moose from Isle Royale than from Kenai, probably contributing to a generally shorter life span. Periodontal disease occurred at a similar rate in both populations, despite a far greater rate of incisiform tooth wear in Kenai moose. The study furnished base-line data for a determination of trends in population quality and physical condition.