C. David Simpson

Introduced Rocky Mountain elk (Ceruus canadensis nelsom) were studied in the Guadalupe Mountain National Park in the summer of 1976. This population was stable at about 100 animals, with sex and age ratios closest to those of the Tule elk. Animals utilized all 4 major habitats in the higher elevations of the Park. Movement between 3 elk aggregations were related to the availability of surface water and the carrying capacity of the area. Sixty-two % of the mortalities were closely associated with temporary pools which may substantiate the importance of water in limiting elk numbers.

Historical documents concerning occurrence, distribution and abundance of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in West Texas are full of information pertinent to wildlife managers. These sources indicate the decline of pronghorn was directly caused by human settlement of antelope range. These data show that pre-settlement antelope populations in the Panhandle and Permian Basin were greater than those in the TransPecos District. Development of surface water seems to have favored the reestablishment of populations in the Trans-Pecos, whereas intensive agriculture is limiting the return of...