Ruckstuhl, KathreenEdwards, Benn Craig2013-12-232014-03-152013-12-232013http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1229Increased human development and accessibility to nature preserves is a mounting pressure on wild populations, forcing animals to abandon areas or modify behavior in response to habitat fragmentation. In this study, I examined the effects of development within the Bow Valley corridor on: home ranges, resource selection, and parasites; in four populations of urban and rural elk (Cervus elaphus). Total home range and core home range size was smaller in urban herds (Canmore and Banff). In proportion to habitat availability, urban animals selected against steep slopes, high elevations, cover habitat (white spruce), and high road density, while selecting for grazing habitat. Rural animals (Bow Valley Provincial Park and Deadman’s Flats) selected against steep slopes and high road densities and in favor of grazing habitat types, but selected for cover habitat. Overall, parasite prevalence, intensity, and diversity were greatest in the urban centers and lowest in rural herds.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.EcologyRSFCervus elaphusHome Rangefragmentationmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/26378