Population Ecology of Roosevelt Elk: Conservation and Management in Redwood National and State Parks

by Butch Weckerly

Overview

The Roosevelt elk populate the parks along California’s north coast and comprise the largest land mammals in the parks, some weighing up to 1,200 pounds. They are a stable terrestrial land mammal population, a fixture in the parks, but still require ongoing stewardship and management.
 
In a study spanning more than twenty years, Weckerly made key observations and conducted various investigations under a multitude of ecological conditions. Few authors have dedicated this much time and effort into a single research area. It is a testament to perseverance that his groundbreaking study of the Roosevelt elk was so successful. He was able to document the independent dynamics of several herds of female elk, experience the extinction of one of their subpopulations, and record scientific conclusions in the context of resiliency and redundancy of the elk population.
 
This book will be of considerable interest to those who investigate the ecology of big game animals, including naturalists, hunters, and individuals with particular interest in Redwood State and National Parks. It is an important book that contributes substantially to the persistence and viability of Roosevelt elk in the parks and the surrounding area.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781943859504
Publisher:	University of Nevada Press
Publication date:	09/27/2017
Edition description:	1
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

Floyd “Butch” Weckerly is professor of biology and director of the M.S. Wildlife Ecology program at Texas State University. He lives in San Marcos, TX.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations ix

Preface xv

Acknowledgments xvii

Introduction 3

1 Elk History and Notes on Large Predators 24

2 Techniques, Counts, and Population Estimates 38

3 Distribution 62

4 The Unexpected: Population Irruption 85

5 The Unexpected: Population Extinction 109

6 Population Dynamics and K Carrying Capacity of Remaining Herds 127

7 Conservation and Management 144

Bibliography 161

About the Author 177

Index 179

What People are Saying About This

Terry Bowyer

“The book is well written, interesting, and should be of interest to a wide array of people. Most scientific aspects of the book are spot on. I think this is a book that should be of value to a broad audience, including visitors to the parks, and not just scientists.”  

Editorial Reviews

"Population Ecology of Roosevelt Elk is written in a style aimed at a broad range of audiences. The author is cognizant of the potential readership, so he does a good job of simplifying complicated modeling and ecological theories while maintaining necessary detail...these elk are a key draw for park visitors and are an integral component of coastal redwood ecosystems. Accordingly, the author’s 20 years of study form the foundation for a tractable survey protocol for use by RNSP biologists. Perhaps most importantly, the author’s work can serve as an inspiration to researchers striving to maintain long-term ecological research with limited support through perseverance and innovative thinking." 
—The Journal of Wildlife Management​

 

"In the wildlife profession, we are rarely afforded the opportunity to conduct research at a single site for over 20 years. The author has done an admirable job in capturing his long-term research through the presentation of study results and anecdotal stories related to his experiences in the field... Population Ecology of Roosevelt Elk would be a good addition to the library of anyone interested in elk and conservation management." 
—Journal of Mammalogy


“The book is well written, interesting, and should be of interest to a wide array of people. Most scientific aspects of the book are spot on. I think this is a book that should be of value to a broad audience, including visitors to the parks, and not just scientists.”
—Terry Bowyer, Idaho State University

From the Publisher