Aerial Census of Moose by Quadrat Sampling Units

• Published in: The Journal of wildlife management 1966-10, Vol.30 (4), p.767-776
• Main Authors: Evans, Charles D., Troyer, Willard A., Lensink, Calvin J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aircraft; Caribous; Censuses; Landmarks; Population estimates; Sampling methods; Wildlife; Wildlife habitats; Wildlife management; Wildlife refuges
• ISSN: 0022-541X; 1937-2817
• DOI: 10.2307/3798283

A quadrat sampling method for conducting aerial census of moose (Alces americana) that is adapted to extensive units of habitat was developed and applied in two areas of Alaska. This report describes briefly the steps that were used in developing and applying the quadrat method. The areas were stratified into units of high, medium, and low moose density based on current observations. A sample of quadrats 1 square mile in area was drawn from each unit and a detailed census from the air was made on each sample quadrat. Both applications of this method provided usable data at reasonable cost. Results of these censuses were compared with results obtained by other methods in the same localities. With the quadrat method as a standard, results indicated that about half the animals were seen in an attempt at total area census and about one-fourth were seen when a continuous linear strip transect ½ mile in width was covered.