| Species re-introduction is now a commonly used tool in conservation biology, although post-release monitoring is often neglected according to IUCN guidelines. Elk (Cervus elaphus) were re-introduced from Elk Island National Park, Alberta to the Burwash region, Ontario in four release groups between 1998 and 2001. In hope of restoring a depleted population back to its original state, a total of 174 elk were released and monitored by VHF telemetry (aerial and ground) until 2003. I determined if acclimatization of translocated elk to their new habitat had occurred, estimated the time needed to acclimatize to their new area, and attempted to decipher which spatio-temporal parameters of elk movement behaviour were the best indicators of acclimatization. Elk initially showed large home range sizes and higher average daily distances travelled; these decreased and generally levelled off within 2 years. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Pines and Intolerant hardwood were the selected habitats for the elk and the change in preference of these habitats indicated selection 1-3 years post-release. Taking all parameters into consideration, the acclimatization phase for the Burwash herd was 1 to 3years, with 2 years being most common. In 2006, highway construction began in the Burwash area; Highway 69 was widened from a 2-lane to a 4-lane right-of-way. I analyzed home range size, average daily distance travelled, distance from highway, and habitat selection before and during highway construction to determine whether the highway was having a negative impact on elk spatial ecology. The results showed no significant differences for home range size and distance from highway before and during highway construction; elk did not relocate or reduce their home ranges. However, during construction, elk showed greater daily movements (x¯ before =182.33 m/day, x¯ during= 416.17 m/day) and significant habitats switched their selection status during construction (to selected or avoided). My results indicate that the construction on Highway 69 may have had a site-specific impact on the Burwash elk herd, but the population as a whole was able to tolerate the disturbance without having to relocate. A recommendation to wildlife managers is to closely monitor introduced animals until the acclimatization phase has taken place (2 years in the case of the elk introduced to the Burwash site) in order to confirm survivorship and gauge the success of the program. This study provided a unique opportunity to assess the effectiveness of a conservation strategy (re-introductions) and the effect of an anthropogenic impact on that same population. The importance of studying a variety of spatio-temporal parameters, as well as habitat selection became apparent. It was possible to assess the responses of a wild population and the recovery time of individuals to the impacts of relocation and highway construction, which is important in conservation biology. |
