Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1983
Abstract
The effect of Moose (AIces aIces) on aquatic vegetation was studied in Sibley Provincial Park, Ontario. Two small exclosures were built in preferred feeding lakes to protect vegetation from Moose. Both exclosures developed a dense growth of plants. In one, species palatable to Moose were much more abundant than in unprotected areas. The other lake supported very little vegetation outside the exclosure. Aquatic vegetation in a large preferred lake underwent a series of changes from the 1960's to 1980. Nuphar variegatum and Potamogeton filiformis largely disappeared, leaving the lake sparsely vegetated in some years and dominated by annuals in others. With recent reductions in Moose activity, Nuphar is becoming re-established. In the 23 lakes studied, Nuphar variegatum was absent or scarce in areas heavily used by Moose, but Poiamogeton foliosus, an annual, was most common in such sites.
Recommended Citation
Fraser, D., & Hristienko, H. (1983). Effects of moose, Alces alces, on aquatic vegetation in Sibley Provincial Park, Ontario. Canadian field-naturalist, 97: 57-61.
