Resource selection by pronghorn antelope in the Grassland Natural Region of Alberta
Pronghorn require large expansive areas of low rolling grassland terrain with no major physical barriers. Although grass species comprise the major vegetation available, pronghorn select mostly forbs and shrubs for their yearly diet requirements. Habitat requirements for pronghorn change with the seasons. It is well documented that pronghorn utilize sagebrush habitats in the winter, but they may also opportunistically forage on agricultural crops. Shrub cover is also important cover for rearing of fawns in June.
The purpose of the project is to define the influence of land cover (native and anthropogenic) and disturbance sources on the distribution and resource selection patterns of pronghorn antelope in southern Alberta. Based on the results of this research, we will evaluate the suitability of this species as an ecological indicator for ecological land management planning in the Grasslands Natural Region. The research will define the seasonal importance of habitat classes to pronghorns based on analyses of resource selection patterns.
Project Objectives
- Define selection of home ranges on the basis of habitat components including altered habitat, at the landscape level.
- Determine relative selection of specific habitat and land cover types within home ranges.
- Develop resource selection function models to define and map pronghorn antelope habitat in Alberta.
For more detail on methods and study design please see Habitat Use by Pronghorn Antelope in Alberta.
Back
|
