HYPOTHESES OF IMPACTS ON MOOSE DUE TO HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS

Hypothetical impacts on moose (Alces alces) populations from hydroelectric projects in northerly latitudes were classified: significant, moderate, and minor. Eleven potentially significant impacts were identified and discussed. These included permanent and temporary habitat loss, displacement, disruption of movements, and increased mortality from accidents, human-causes, and predation. Of the nine identified moderate impacts, possible changes in climate within an unknown radius of the impoundments could be the most significant. Several likely minor impacts were listed for consideration. Actual losses to a moose population due to hydroelectric development cannot be predicted accurately at this time. Well designed pre-and post-impoundment studies are needed to provide a scientific basis for impact assessment