Classification of land capability for ungulates in the nelson area

Traditionally, the assessment of numbers and distribution of ungulates has often been the primary focus of short term management efforts. However, such assessments often overlook significant ungulate ranges where the land capability may not necessarily be reflected by current animal use. Low numbers of ungulates in areas of high land capability may be as a result of seral state, improper land use, geographic isolation, or biotic factors such as predation. Knowledge of ungulate habitat needs applying to land capability information provides a framework for assessment. This information is useful in providing a basis for determining regional wildlife management strategies and locating effective habitat protection activities. Additionally, because mapping utilizes a combination of wildlife expertise, vegetation, soils, terrain, and climate specialists, it helps to form predictions for habitat enhancement. This assessment examines the land capability for ungulates in the Nelson area, Selkirk and Monashee mountains, British Columbia

Table 20.1: Ungulate Capability Rationale

Climatic Factors	Capability	Remarks
Aridity	Good	There is a good balance between rainfall, temperature, and moisture in the air. This supports the growth of plants, and therefore the ungulates can enjoy an adequate supply of food. The humidity in the air is effective for balancing water levels in the soil to promote vegetation.
Climate	Fair	There is a fair balance of winter, and summer seasons, therefore, the climatic conditions are appropriate for the ungulates. However, the ungulates tend to experience challenges during heavy snow seasons because they interfere with food production and also cover the shrubs making it hard for the ungulates to hide from predators. During summer, the shrubs tend to fall short, and this may interfere with food production. However, the summer season is the most fulfilling for the ungulates because they migrate to flood plains and adjacent terraces where there is an abundant supply of forage which is especially vital for the females to nourish their younger ones.
Snow Depth	Fair	During the early seasons of winter, snow depth is relatively low about 30m. This is good for the ungulates because they can move effectively through the snow. At this point, the shrubs and forage are still succulent and available which makes it easy for food and comfort. However, as the season progresses, snow levels become so high that it makes it difficult for the ungulates to move around comfortably. The deep snow also interferes with food production and supply.
Exposure/aspect	Fair	The Serlick and Monachee areas experience fair exposures. There is a fair amount of exposure to winds, temperatures, rainfall, and snow. However, a decrease in rainfall levels reduces the areas’ exposure to crop on water use. High snow levels also expose the area to flooding and cold which may be detrimental for the ungulates. Winds effects are generally low except during the winter seasons leading to huge blizzards which hurt the ungulates rates of survival and access to food.
Terrain factors	Capability	Remarks
Soil depth and fertility	Fair	The soil depth is fair because it promotes growth in the area. This is important because plant roots are not restricted and thus production is higher in volume. However, the crops and shrubs do not have extensive root systems to favor crop yield in its maximum potential greatly. Soil fertility in the area is also good enough to support plant growth. This is favorable for the ungulates because it ensures sufficient production of food.
landform	Fair	The area has very steep slopes sometimes above 1,200 m high. This makes it hard for ungulates to effectively move around and reach food crops in terms of shrubs. However, the terrain form is good when it comes to drainage of water during flooding. The water does not remain stationary because it can move down the steep slopes to drain the land. This helps to reduce incidences of flooding which negatively impact the reproduction and survival of ungulates.
Inundation/soil moisture	Good	There is enough balance in the atmosphere to ensure that soil moisture is preserved to cater for food production and humidity. The relative humidity of the area is 75% at 80⁰. This, therefore, means that every kilo of the air in the area contains at least 75% of the maximum water storage. This is an essential factor , and from the explanation, the area has good soil moisture to support crop production which is good for food access for the ungulates and also their reproduction.
Adverse soil conditions	Fair	There are some adverse soil conditions in the area. As stated, there is a negative impact on the soil during winter because the conditions do not support the soil to produce sufficient food. This leads to significant shortages of food for the ungulates which negatively impacts their well being as well as reproduction rates. However, during summer, though the soil moisture may go down, there is still adequate water retention in the soil to support crop production. This is why the ungulates migrate to other areas where there are succulent shrubs and forage.

Table 20.2: Capability Matrix

	Climate factors	Terrain factors
Soil Associations	Aridity Climate Snow Exposure depth	Soil landform Inundation Adverse soil Overall capability conditions depth
Beatrice	Good Poor Poor Poor	Poor Poor Fair Poor Poor
Blizzard	Good Fair Good Fair	Fair Poor Fair Fair Fair
Bonnington	Good Poor Good Fair	Fair Fair Fair Poor Fair
Burdett	Good Poor Good Fair	Fair Good Good Fair Fair
Castlegar	Fair Fair Fair Poor	Good Poor Good Fair Fair
Clifty	Good Good Fair Fair	Good Good Fair Fair Good
Copper	Good Fair Good Good	Fair Poor Fair Poor Fair
Curtis (CU)	Fair Fair Good Fair	Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Curtis (CT)	Poor Poor Poor Poor	Poor Poor Fair Poor Poor
Fletcher	Good Poor Good Poor	Poor Fair Poor Poor Poor
Kaslo	Good Good Good Good	Good Fair Fair Fair Good
Lawley	Good Fair Good Good	Good Fair Fair Fair Good
Mount Cond	Good Good Fair Fair	Fair Fair Fair Fair Good
Organic	Poor Poor Fair Poor	Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor
Salmo	Good Fair Poor Fair	Good Good Fair Fair Fair
Slocan	Poor Fair Poor Poor	Fair Poor Poor Fair Fair
Ymir	Poor Fair Fair Fair	Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor

From this assessment, it can be seen that the Selkirk and Monashee mountains areas have land capabilities that could be able to support ungulate habitation and reproduction to some level. However, it is crucial for management and conservation to focus on making these habitats more suitable for habitation by ensuring that they make adjustments to the areas that show little chances of habitation and also improve on land productivity. Through proper management and improvements, these areas could attain a higher degree of capability for ungulate habitation.

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