Determining Elk Distribution with Pellet-Group and Telemetry Techniques

Abstract

We estimated the summer distribution of elk (Cervus elaphus) using the pellet-group technique and compared results to distribution estimated by radio telemetry. The techniques were compared on the basis of elk distribution relative to elevation, slope, aspect, distance to new roads, and geographical subunit. Each variable was divided into interval classes for further comparison. One of 30 comparisons (use of a geographical subunit) differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the 2 techniques. Ranks of use classes were positively correlated for elevation, aspect, and geographical subunit, and matched for slope, which had too few classes to calculate a correlation coefficient. The pellet-group technique can be used to identify key areas and estimate elk distribution relative to topographic (e.g., slope, aspect, and elevation) and disturbance factors.