The Tule Elk

BY DIANA

The Tule Elk

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Cervidae

Genus: Cervus

Species: Canadensis

Scientific name: Cervus canadensis nannodes

Common name: Tule elk

When you think of animals in California, you might think of a coyote, a condor, or a rattlesnake. You probably would not think of elk living around here, or that they once thrived throughout this state. Until the 1800s, the Tule elk roamed in herds across California. They thrived under the desert conditions, dominating the area until disaster hit them. Not many know about the Tule elk, but everything from their identifying features, to their story and where they are today, to range and danger, is important.

The Tule elk are one of three kinds of elk in North America, and the only one endemic to California. They are also the smallest, with the adult males weighing 450-700 lbs on average, and adult females 375-425 lbs. The tule elk are light beige, with dark brown necks, and white rumps. The Tule elk calves look similar to deer fawns. Only males have antlers, which they lose and regrow annually. Long ago, they occupied much of the state of California (citation), ranging from the hills of the Sierra Nevada, west to the coast, and from the Sacramento river down to the Tehachapi mountains.

Before 1849 there were estimated to be 500,000 Tule elk living in California, but by 1870, there may have been as few as four. European settlers, streaming into California, saw to the dramatic decrease in Tule elk population. An animal that once was the dominant grazer in California was all but extinct (citation?). In 1873, when it was unknown whether any Tule elk remained, a law was passed to protect them. Enter Henry Miller, a Californian rancher, who found some of the last Tule elk and saw the need to protect them (citation). The population of Tule elk, safe in the confines of Miller’s ranch, began to expand (citation). Miller eventually requested that they be relocated to a different area, as they were causing extensive damage to his ranch. The relocation efforts went badly wrong at first. The majority of the elk that were transported tragically died en route due to a terrible relocation system (citation). More strategies of relocation were tried, and 21 elk successfully reached Sequoia National Park (citation). Sadly, all of those elk died out soon after (citation?). Finally the California Academy of Science took control of the situation, relocating elk to twenty-two different locations (citation). They were given a range to graze in, but at one location, the Tupman Tule Elk reserve, the population was not watched, and the elk destroyed the habitat by overgrazing (citation). Herd sizes were monitored after that, being kept at 30-35 individuals, and relocating others.

Today there are approximately 5,700 Tule elk in a variety of herds around California (citation). The tule elk live in herds in semi desert conditions. Even on hot days you can find them out in the open. They need a good deal of space to spread out, although the healthiest herd, on Grizzly Island, only occupies less than 8,00 acres (citation). They eat mostly grasses and shrubs, and stay within four miles of a water source (citation). Herds do stay together for the most part, but during breeding season, the females may split off into smaller groups (citation). As soon as the calves can stand and walk, they rejoin the larger herd.

Although the elk have rebounded, there are still many dangers. A large threat to the elk is still overgrazing. When the elk graze until there is nothing left, large areas will have no food for long periods of time. Of course, like many animals, the Tule elk are subject to continued urban development by humans. Although some Tule elk are in protected areas, many are not, and their homes are in danger of being torn up. There is always the possibility that a range of land the Tule elk depend on might be divided up for smaller ranches (citation). Genetic bottlenecking is another threat to the Tule elk (citation). Genetic bottlenecking happens when there is a loss in genetic diversity, and the tiny population of Tule elk in the 1800’s led to just that. Loss in diversity leads to an inability to evolve and adapt to environmental challenges. The Tule elk’s genetic diversity has increased since they were nearly extinct, but there is still a long way to go. The Tule Elk used to rome free throughout the state of California, but that’s over.

If it weren’t for the few people who found the last Tule elk, they might be extinct. Though their population has grown a great deal over the past decades, it is nowhere near what it used to be. Limited area to occupy leads to overpopulation, disease, and death. However, since people are aware of their situation, efforts should be maintained to keep them safe. Relocation is key, and maintaining the areas that the Tule elk now call home.