Data from: Retrospective analyses to understand how wolf territory density impacts moose quotas, harvest and observation rate

The ever-growing human population along with the expansion of settlements
and land use, and effective hunting methods increasingly
influence wildlife populations. Knowledge of management responses to
re-establishing large carnivores is important to understand the
overall impact of humans on large carnivores and their prey populations.
We examined the response of moose (Alces alces) harvest, but also
population size and composition in relation to wolf (Canis
lupus) territory density along a latitudinal gradient in two
bordering countries in northern Europe. Moose harvest density was
negatively related to wolf territory density with model estimates showing
that harvest was 35% (Norway) to 39% (Sweden) lower in moose
management units (MMUs) with average wolf territory density, compared to
MMUs without wolves during the previous five years. The
corresponding model estimates for moose observation rate was 21% lower in
Sweden and 1% lower in Norway. In both countries, management
actions were taken to reduce the total moose mortality
(reduced harvest) as well as to maximize productivity in the
population (reduced harvest of adult females) in response to
increased wolf territory density. Annual changes in quotas were
related to fulfilment of last year´s quota and wolf territory density
in the previous two years. The annual change in harvest were
affected by actual harvest the previous year and by set
quotas, showing that harvest followed management plans. Abilities
to adjust to new conditions is a key in wildlife management where
conflicting societal objectives such as forestry, sustainable ungulate
harvest yield, and carnivore conservation should be balanced.