Bark stripping by moose on young Pinus sylvestris in south-central Sweden

Bark stripping by moose (Alces alces L.) on young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was studied at the Grimso Wildlife Research Area in south-central Sweden. The investigation was launched to attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) for this behaviour. To document the seasonal pattern of bark stripping by moose, four young Scots pine plantations were observed between August 1988 and November 1989. In addition, pine bark samples were collected systematically throughout the study period, and the composition of various nutrients, minerals, and fibre fractions and their digestibility were determined. The occurrence of bark stripping was significantly higher in April and May, coinciding with an increase in fibre, K, starch and total carbohydrate concentrations, and decreasing crude protein, P and Mg content. Results are discussed with respect to the potential relationship between bark stripping and nutrient deficiencies in moose and the potential mechanisms inducing bark stripping.