Aerial moose surveys again on schedule

moose surveys

After a dismal moose survey season within the winter of 2023-2024, the Ministry of Pure Sources (MNR) accomplished a powerful listing of surveys this season, gathering necessary knowledge that informs population standing and searching alternatives.

As a result of poor survey circumstances final 12 months, the MNR accomplished surveys in solely 5 Wildlife Administration Items (WMUs). Circumstances for counting moose had been way more beneficial this winter — not solely did the MNR tackle the backlog from final 12 months, however they had been additionally capable of full all of the surveys they’d deliberate for this 12 months.

Surveys require group

A survey effort of this magnitude requires a small military of personnel, a mix of government and industrial helicopters, and the proper climate circumstances. Between Dec.17, 2024, and Feb.14, 2025, the MNR efficiently surveyed 29 WMUs. The MNR flew 600 plots and logged extra than 750 hours of flight time. At peak, 12 helicopters had been within the air concurrently to take benefit of optimum survey circumstances (temperature, wind velocity, visibility, and snow traits). On the busiest day of surveying, 48 pilots, biologists, and technicians collected knowledge to help surveying efforts throughout Ontario.

Discovering the proper frequency is vital to minimizing prices and accumulating administration info. The federal government goals to survey models in core moose vary each three to 5 years. Ignore a unit for too lengthy and one dangers not detecting a declining population and delaying the suitable administration motion. However, surveying a unit each 12 months or two wouldn’t reveal a statistically vital inhabitants change, as moose populations generally don’t rise or fall that rapidly.

OFAH pushes for better funding

“Regardless of the excellent geographical coverage this 12 months, a number of models with excessive hunter interest haven’t been surveyed in 5 years or extra, OFAH Supervisor of Coverage Mark Ryckman mentioned. “We proceed to push for better funding and flexibility to make sure models are surveyed based on schedule, and we’re additionally calling for a comprehensive overview of other survey strategies that would offer dependable knowledge even when conventional aerial survey circumstances are suboptimal.”

The OFAH critically opinions annual moose aerial stock strategies and outcomes to guarantee they’re scientifically defensible, and info is being collected at scales related to efficient moose administration.

Up to date inhabitants estimates and objectives might be discovered at: www.ontario.ca/web page/moose-population-management