Antler size and winter mortality of elk: Effects of environment, birth year, and rarasites

Abstract

Correlates with antler size of 215 male elk (Cervus elaphus) that died during 5 winters on the National Elk Refuge, Wyoming, were investigated. The elk were 1.5-14.5 (X̄ = 6.5, SE = 0.19) years old. Males with clinical infestations of scab mites (Psoroptes) had antlers with more points, greater beam circumference, and greater mass than males not afflicted with mites. Development of antlers and infestations with scabies were correlated positively with age. Controlling for age, antler size was correlated with March and April temperatures during the year that they grew (nutritional effect) and weather conditions while the males were in utero. Population size, adult sex ratio, and supplemental winter feeding of elk at the National Elk Refuge exhibited no apparent influences on antler size.