The spatial distribution of moose (Alces Alces) incisor breakage in Atlantic Canada and an evaluation of tooth chemical composition for inferential purposes

Abstract

Mammalian teeth are used to obtain and consume food resources and, in some cases, for self-defence. As such, tooth quality is important for individuals to maintain body condition and meet daily nutritive requirements. This study investigates unexplained tooth breakage in the moose ( Alces alces ) populations of Atlantic Canada. By way of comparison of>5500 incisors from multiple North American moose jurisdictions, we found breakage frequency ranged from 1-6% except in Atlantic Canada (Cape Breton 6-34% and Newfoundland 24-47%). Population age structure effects were not detected. To investigate whether moose incisor elemental composition is related to high breakage in Atlantic Canada, elemental analyses and microhardness tests were performed on a subset of samples. Though tooth chemistry did not explain all of the existing variation, a negative relationship was found between Cu, Pb, Zn and breakage. Tooth microhardness did not significantly differ among regions. Other environment factors, such as density-related food resource declines, likely contribute to tooth breakage in Atlantic Canadian moose.