The Ya Ha Tinda elk herd, which once numbered well over 1,000, has dwindled over the last decade to about 300 animals.  In addition, significant changes have occurred in the migration patterns of the herd: more elk are remaining year-long on the low-elevation winter range of the Ya Ha Tinda ranch, as opposed to making the long trek to higher-elevation summer range in Banff National Park.  We are investigating the reasons for low calf survival, as well as the driving forces behind the decline in the migratory elk population. Hypotheses include density-dependent predation, apparent competition facilitated by increasing mule and white deer, and/or mortality by a specific mix of predators. Information from the project will assist both Parks Canada and the Province of Alberta in managing the wildlife of this trans-boundary interagency ecosystem.

Student: Jodi Berg

Ecology of Calf Survival Summary Report 2013 – 2016