Theses and Dissertations Collection

Abstract

Mechanisms driving ungulate population declines are complex and poorly understood. Limitations in forage availability or quality may be contributing, but current habitat assessments lack fine-scale vegetation information needed to evaluate nutrition. To fill this gap, I developed predictive distribution models for ungulate forage species across Idaho using existing vegetation surveys, maps, and remotely-sensed data. Models predict plant species presence, and provide key insight to species-environment relationships that can aide habitat management strategies to improve nutritional quality. Additionally, I examined elk habitat selection on a summer range in north-central Idaho. Selection was influenced by the presence of herbaceous plant species and wildfire disturbance. Management strategies that re-open matured forest canopies that currently limit herbaceous understory vegetation will be useful for enhancing the nutritional quality of elk summer habitat. Considerations for non-native plant infestations in areas of highly recurrent and severe wildfires will also be important.