Seasonal variation in size and composition of elk (Cervus canadensis) home range in central Appalachia

Home ranges are vitally important to an animal's behavior, survival, and reproduction. Variation in environmental conditions and landscape composition coupled with differences between sexes can influence home range structure, and understanding these differences is important for species management. Elk (Cervus canadensis Erxleben, 1777) are a widespread culturally important ungulate that has been well studied over portions of its range. Reintroduced populations in eastern North America, where conditions differ dramatically from those in the west, are comparatively understudied. Using Ornstein-Uhlenbeck movement models, we calculated season- and sex-specific home range and core areas for elk in Pennsylvania, USA. Results showed strong seasonal variation in sizes of core areas and home ranges, with summer ranges consistently smaller than other seasons. Home ranges were largely forested. However, forest cover of core areas was lower than home ranges. Proportion of open cover types was greater in core areas than home ranges. Use of timber harvests overall was low. However, among individuals with highly forested home ranges, timber harvests were strongly selected for in spring. This work highlights the regional specificity in the size, composition, and seasonality of elk home ranges, and stresses the need for additional context-specific research in understudied elk populations of forested eastern landscapes.

Automated summary

Home ranges are important for an animal's behavior, survival, and reproduction. Environmental conditions and sex differences can influence home range structure, and understanding these differences is crucial for species management. This study calculated season- and sex-specific home range and core areas for elk in Pennsylvania, USA, revealing strong seasonal variation and composition differences between core areas and home ranges. The findings highlight the need for context-specific research in understudied elk populations in forested eastern landscapes.