An empirical evaluation of the determinants of moose-vehicle collisions on the island of Newfoundland, Canada

Tanner, Amy L. (2015) An empirical evaluation of the determinants of moose-vehicle collisions on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Moose-vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a problem throughout the circumpolar range of moose, but are especially prevalent on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. I designed a field study which determined that a common MVC mitigation strategy, roadside vegetation cutting, does not attract moose into roadside areas to browse. I also conducted a spatial analysis and identified small scale MVC hotspots scattered throughout the island, and medium and large scale MVC hotspots on primary roads and on the Avalon Peninsula. Finally, I used model selection to identify the best spatial predictors of the probability of occurrence of MVCs in Newfoundland. Specifically, primary roads, straight roads, decreased distance to large cities, and decreased distance to mining areas are associated with areas of high MVCs rates. This research provides managers with a basis for i) continuing roadside vegetation cutting and ii) implementing MVC mitigation strategies in strategic areas to reduce the number of MVCs.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
URI: http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/9812
Item ID: 9812
Additional Information: Includes bibliographical references.
Keywords: Alces americanus, animal-human conflict, browse, collision hotspots, forage, mitigation, moose, moose-vehicle collisions, plant preference, roadside management, spatial analysis, threshold analysis
Department(s): Science, Faculty of > Biology
Date: August 2015
Date Type: Submission
Geographic Location: Newfoundland and Labrador--Island of Newfoundland
Library of Congress Subject Heading: Wildlife crossings--Newfoundland and Labrador--Newfoundland, Island of--Safety measures; Traffic safety and wildlife--Newfoundland and Labrador--Newfoundland, Island of; Moose--Conservation--Newfoundland and Labrador--Newfoundland, Island of

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