Major study on the ecology of moose populations in the context of climate change

May 08, 2019

Université Laval, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP), and their partners have announced a joint research and development project on the role of winter ticks in the ecology of moose populations in eastern Canada. The major project aims to understand and predict the interaction dynamics between winter ticks and moose based on anticipated climate change conditions and moose population densities.

The large-scale project is led by Jean-Pierre Tremblay, a professor at Université Laval’s Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, in collaboration with Christian Dussault from MFFP and professors Steeve D. Côté (Université Laval), Joe Nocera (University of New Brunswick), and Patrick Leighton and Christopher Fernandez-Prada (Université de Montréal).

Moose are an important part of Canada’s heritage. Their social, cultural, ecological, and economic value is well established. Interactions between winter ticks and moose have recently increased in eastern Quebec, threatening moose health and population dynamics. Little is currently known about the influence of this parasite.

Winter tick infestations cause concerning symptoms and are a topic of public interest, particularly for moose hunters.

“The migration of many species towards the poles and shortened life cycle stages due to global warming lead to changes in interactions between species, including parasite-host interactions,” explained Professor Tremblay. “The winter tick is a mite that lives on large vertebrates and can kill certain species in the boreal region, such as moose, that are not adapted to it.”

“Our methodological approach will focus on satellite telemetry tracking of moose in five populations along a latitude gradient from southern New Brunswick to north of the St. Lawrence River,” added Tremblay. “This will give us a variety of environmental conditions that may or may not be conducive to moose infestations, calf recruitment, and adult survival.”

The project will focus on three main areas of research: 1) Moose physical health, population dynamics, and space use in response to variations in winter tick infestations; 2) The epidemiology of the winter tick in relation to other parasites, the abundance of moose, and environmental changes; and 3) The development of a concerted scientific approach to improve monitoring and our ability to adapt to ecological change.

The research will improve our understanding of the effects and issues associated with winter ticks and help determine the best way to control moose populations to ensure sustainable management. The project will also provide training in a multidisciplinary setting for four master’s students, two PhD students, and one postdoctoral fellow.

The result of a successful collaboration between sixteen partners

The study is the result of close collaboration with sixteen partners from different backgrounds who contribute to the project through their involvement, by sharing knowledge, and providing funding to the tune of $3.4 million: MFFP, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Mitacs, Parks Canada, Fondation de la faune du Québec, Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat, J.D. Irving, Limited, Domtar, Boralex, Séminaire de Québec, Gestion forestière Lacroix, CGRMP Wildlife Territory Manager, Société des établissements de plein air du Québec, the Québec Outfitter Federation, Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs, and Zecs Québec.

“As we all know, this emblematic Québec animal contributes to the cultural identity, social cohesion, and economic vitality of the regions,” stated Fondation de la Faune president and CEO André Martin. “That’s why the Foundation is excited to be involved in learning more about them and helping preserve this piece of our natural heritage.”

“By teaming up with key wildlife and forestry organizations and MFFP, we can make this large-scale research project a success,” said Pierre Dufour, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. “The recommendations that come out of the work will aim to adapt forestry operations in moose habitats to reduce the risk of winter tick infestations. In addition to sharing its expertise as part of this promising partnership, MFFP will contribute $1.6 million to the study. Maintaining healthy moose populations is a priority, as is optimizing economic benefits for the regions of Québec.”

“This research project will help us manage moose populations at the provincial level, in addition to positioning the research team as international leaders in the fields of ecology and large wildlife management and conservation,” asserted Eugénie Brouillet, Vice Rector of Research, Creation and Innovation at Université Laval.

“J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is proud to be a partner in this major moose research project,” said Andrew Willett, Director of Research and Stakeholder Engagement at JDI. “It’s important ecologically, economically, and culturally for residents of Québec and New Brunswick.”

About Université Laval

Driven by a spirit of innovation and the pursuit of excellence, Université Laval is one of the leading research universities in Canada, ranking 8th with funds of $356m allocated to research last year. A leader in distance learning, it has over 1,600 professors, and almost 2,200 lecturers and other members of teaching and research staff who share their knowledge with over 43,000 students, 25% of whom are enrolled in graduate studies. The University values diversity and is proud of the members of its university community, who come from 120 countries. The oldest Francophone university in North America, Université Laval has to date educated over 3000,000 people who contribute, each in their own way, to the progress of society. www.ulaval.ca

About MFFP

As the manager of public forests, wildlife and their habitats as well as collective natural heritage, the Ministry’s aim is to ensure sustainable management of forests, wildlife and parks and to support the economic development of these industries for the benefit of the citizens of Quebec and its regions. With regard to the joint research and development project on the role of winter ticks in the ecology of moose populations in eastern Canada, the Ministry is contributing human and financial resources to the work. The results obtained will help to ensure the sustainability of moose populations and to protect the economic benefits of wildlife activities, for both the local population and Quebec as a whole. https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/la-faune/

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Sources:

Andrée-Anne Stewart

Media Relations Officer

Communications Department

Université Laval

418 656-3952

418 254-3141

andree-anne.stewart@dc.ulaval.ca

Nicolas Bégin

Press Relations Officer

Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs