USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems: Measuring and forecasting the response of wildlife populations to changes in ecosystem processes on the Arctic Coastal Plain (Effects of Changing Plant Phenology)
A project to understand temporal changes in foraging habitats of geese to forecast the response of wildlife populations to changes in ecosystem processes on the Arctic Coastal Plain.Abstract
Large temperature changes have occurred in Alaska in recent decades. These changes are already affecting terrestrial vegetation types and wetlands. These physical processes of ecological change directly affect attributes of habitats that are vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) trust species such as migratory birds and large terrestrial mammals. These herbivores may be affected by significant changes in plant community structure that occur in response to physical changes and nutrient availability. Herbivores must selectively forage on plant species that are high in nutrients and abundance. Thus, certain migratory birds, such as geese, and caribou on the North Slope of Alaska represent sensitive indicators of changes in vegetation quality and quantity. Accordingly, these species can be used to index subtle, bottom-up changes in arctic and sub-arctic terrestrial and wetland habitats. Given the differences in digestive morphology between migratory birds (geese) and large terrestrial mammals (ungulates), we hypothesize that these taxa will show different responses to temperature induced changes in vegetation. In this study, we are examining whether avian migrants (shorebirds and geese) are adapting to shifts in phenology by modifying their timing of migration and reproduction. Failure to adapt to changes in plant phenology associated with climate change puts populations at risk because northern wildlife time key life history events to occur during periods of peak resource abundance. The goal of this study is to build on recent research to assess impacts of changing plant phenology on avian populations in Alaska by conducting field studies in Arctic Alaska to better understand the relationship between the timing of peak food availability and quality and the timing of migration and breeding for avian migrants.
Products
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| Goose Migration and Egg Nutrient Allocation, Colville River Delta, Alaska, 2011–2015 | Data |
| Changing Arctic Ecosystem project site and fact sheet | Project Website |
Contacts
Hupp, Jerry W., 907-786-7096Ruthrauff, Daniel , 907-786-7162
Ward, David H., 907.786.7097
Status: completed
Start Year: 2010
End Year: 2015
Project Sites
Location
North Slope BoroughUSGS Mission Area and Program
Ecosystems → Wildlife ProgramMajor Initiatives
USGS - Changing Arctic Ecosystems InitiativeKeywords
Biosphere > Terrestrial Ecosystems > Alpine/TundraClimate Indicators