USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems: Physical and ecological factors for increase in abundance and distribution of Arctic goose populations

Numbers of breeding geese are increasing on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska and the distribution of molting geese is expanding to new habitat areas being created by declining sea ice and salt water inundation of coastal areas. This research examines the rate of change and mechanisms involved in the changes to distribution and abundance of geese that are important to subsistence and sport hunters.

Abstract

The Arctic Coastal Plain has experienced a warming trend over the past 30 years, leading to reductions in Beaufort Sea ice and thawing of permafrost. Loss of sea ice has increased ocean wave action, leading to erosion and salt water inundation of coastal habitats. Saltwater tolerant plants are now thriving in these areas and this appears to be a positive outcome for geese in the Arctic. This project will identify environmental factors limiting breeding of black brant in the Arctic, investigate the dynamics of salt marsh habitats along the Arctic Coastal Plain, and examine mechanisms influencing variation in white-fronted goose density and population trajectories along the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska.

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Products

Title	Type
Effects of industrial and investigator disturbance on Arctic-nesting geese	Publication
Movements and habitat use of White-fronted geese during the remigial molt in Arctic Alaska, USA	Publication
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Nest Characteristics and Nesting Behavior Classifications from Time-lapse Photographs and Nest Visit Data; Point Lonely, Alaska, 2013-2014	Data
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Habitat Use Data, Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, 2012-2013	Data
USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems	Project Website

Contacts

Flint, Paul L., 907-786-7183
Meixell, Brandt W., 907-786-7157

Status: completed
Start Year: 2015
End Year: 2019

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Project Sites

Collaborators

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Location

North Slope
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge

USGS Mission Area and Program

Ecosystems → Wildlife Program

Major Initiatives

USGS - Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative

Keywords

Biosphere > Terrestrial Ecosystems > Alpine/Tundra