Behavioral responses of moose (Alces alces) to ambient temperature: Is there evidence for behavioral thermoregulation

The understanding of factors and processes driving limitation in the geographic range of species has important implications for conservation and management. I assessed climate as a factor driving moose (Alces alces) population limitation near the southern range periphery in Ontario, Canada. I analyzed moose behavioral responses to ambient temperature by comparing habitat utilization profiles above vs. below upper critical temperature thresholds. I also assessed the utility of several habitat types to provide thermal cover for moose. Moose did not alter habitat use patterns relative to high temperatures in summer or winter, and temperatures did not vary substantially among habitats. I interpret these findings as suggestive that moose in central Ontario may be more resilient to temperature extremes than previously expected, but more broadly, my research demonstrates how individual behavior is useful for testing hypotheses at larger scales to determine why animal range limits may be influenced by ongoing climate change.;Keywords: Alces alces, behavioral thermoregulation, habitat selection, heat stress, moose...