Home ranges, resource selection, and parasite diversity of urban versus rural elk (Cervus elaphus)

Abstract

Increased human development and accessibility to nature preserves is a mounting pressure on wild populations, forcing animals to abandon areas or modify behavior in response to habitat fragmentation. In this study, I examined the effects of development within the Bow Valley corridor on: home ranges, resource selection, and parasites; in four populations of urban and rural elk (Cervus elaphus). Total home range and core home range size was smaller in urban herds (Canmore and Banff). In proportion to habitat availability, urban animals selected against steep slopes, high elevations, cover habitat (white spruce), and high road density, while selecting for grazing habitat. Rural animals (Bow Valley Provincial Park and Deadman’s Flats) selected against steep slopes and high road densities and in favor of grazing habitat types, but selected for cover habitat. Overall, parasite prevalence, intensity, and diversity were greatest in the urban centers and lowest in rural herds.