Height and Species as Factors Determining Browsing of Shrubs by Wapiti

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Abstract
The scrub layer was studied in 11 selected areas of Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba [Canada], which are used as winter range by wapiti (C. c. manitobensis) and moose (Alces alces). Shrub species (23) were identified and 15 were sufficiently abundant to be included in analyses. The number, frequency, constancy, importance value, cover value and height of each species were measured using a line transect method. Browsing was assessed by presence or absence of browsing, and by a numerical browse index. There was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between the number of plants of a particular shrub species present and its use as browse, but plant height was significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with use. Plants within the height range 1-2 m were generally preferred. Use as browse decreased rapidly outside these limits. Although there were some differences in browse use among species, in any given height range, such differences were few and inconsistent. Height may be the most important factor determining use.

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