Migrating Junsele moose tracked with GPS – research project now reaching its end

Following a successful pilot project with three moose named “Trygga mamman”, “Ärrade damen”, and “Jokern”, the research was expanded near Kullberg and Junsele in Ångermanland in 2022 and 2023. A further 21 and 9 moose respectively were fitted with GPS collars. The technology makes it possible to track the animals’ movements around the clock, all year round, while also collecting data on the surrounding temperature.

The project is now concluding, and at the end of February researchers located the GPS-collared moose one final time, sedated them and removed the collars.

– It has been extremely interesting to follow the moose as they migrate between their summer and winter ranges. We have now collected the data we need based on the questions we wanted to ask about the moose in this area. For me, it has meant unforgettable encounters with moose, including observations during the calving season, but now it is time to let the Junsele moose continue their journey without us, says Fredrik Stenbacka, experiment group leader.

Researchers will now examine what the data from the GPS collars can reveal about the habits of the Junsele moose and compile the results. One research question has been how climate change, seasonal variation and human land use affect moose migration.

– These forest areas are exciting and somewhat different from other study areas because they contain a higher proportion of plantations of fast-growing contorta pine. This is the first time we have been able to study how moose move and use such forest habitat. For example, we have seen that moose choose to spend time in young stands of contorta pine to the same extent as in other young forests, says Wiebke Neumann, researcher at SLU.

Strong interest from the TV audience

During the slow-TV programme The Great Moose Migration, SLU made it possible for the public to follow the research moose’s movements directly via the WRAM database. Viewers were able to name some of the moose, and the interest in them has been considerable.

The TV audience has also raised money for SLU’s research in the area. The funds have been used for the calf counts carried out within the project each spring, with last year marking the final survey.

– All the engagement from viewers has been absolutely fantastic. We are grateful for all the support and interest, and it has been rewarding to share knowledge throughout the project, says Göran Ericsson, dean of the Faculty of Forest Sciences at SLU.

According to Swedish Television, SVT, the research in the area has added extra value.

– It has been an enjoyable addition that both the audience and the production team have appreciated. We will continue to make use of SLU’s expertise both in connection with The Great Moose Migration and in other nature programmes, says Johan Erhag, project manager at SVT.

Tracking other moose around the country

At present, GPS-collared moose are monitored in several other locations around Sweden. Researchers are following moose in Nikkaloukta in Norrbotten, Fredrika in Västerbotten, and Ljusdal in Hälsingland. The project in Ljusdal is investigating how moose utilize an area affected by the forest fires of 2018. The area also harbour one of Sweden's highest densities of brown bears, and researchers are studying how predators affect the moose population in this managed forest landscape.

– These projects are very exciting and interesting, and we look forward to continuing to share what the moose are teaching us, says Wiebke Neumann.