Locations of GPS-collared moose and geographic correlates, as well as for random points within study area

Moose are among the many species that are vulnerable to both direcdt and
indirect effects of climate change. Habitat selection is one framework to
assist investigators in disentangling the various factors (including
weather) that ultimately dictate how animals respond to their environment.
We investigated patterns of winter habitat selecdtion by adult female
moose in southerwestern MOntana, USA, during 2007-2010, and how that
selection was affected by snow (quantified by snow water equivalent) and
winter temperatures. We used data from GPS colalrs and a suite of
environmental covariates to quantify winter habitat selection at both
study area (2nd order) and home range (3rd order) spatial scales using
resource selection functions. Moose strongly select for the willow (Salix
spp.) cover type, and against grassland cover. Moose use of conifer cover
at the home range scale increased when either amount of snow or ambient
temperature was higher, altough the latter only during periods of the day
when conifer pathces were likely to have been cooler than cover types
lacking a canopy. Wildlife conservatoin and management naturally focuses
on preferred habitats, particularly those that fulfill essentially all
forgaing requirements. However, habitats used preferentially under
stresful weather conditions, even if used rarely overall, can also form a
critical part of a species' overall needs.,