Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Alaska
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Moose populations in portions of Togiak National Wildlife Refuge have been expanding in recent years, potentially following the expansion of shrub habitat. This expansion in shrub habitat is likely driven by changing climatic conditions, meaning that future climate change could result in further expansion of shrub habitat and, potentially, moose populations. Understanding the driving factors behind moose population dynamics on the refuge is critical, however most resources must be allocated to baseline population monitoring. We are using existing monitoring data to build an Integrated Population Model for moose on Togiak NWR as both a monitoring tool and to explore demographic changes in the population. Ultimately, we hope to be able to identify the demographic patterns behind this population expansion while also improving monitoring programs and their utility.