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Growth and Differentiation of Adult Hippocampal Arctic Ground Squirrel Neural Stem Cells

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Variability in marine resources affects arctic fox population dynamics.

¹Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, University of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.

The Journal of Animal Ecology

|March 22, 2019

Summary

Marine subsidies impact arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) populations, especially when lemmings are scarce. Increased reliance on marine food sources can delay lemming population recovery due to heightened fox predation.

Keywords:

allochthonous resources indirect effects numerical response scavenging stable isotope ratios

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Wildlife Biology
Arctic Ecosystems

Background:

Terrestrial predators in coastal regions often utilize marine-based food resources.
The numerical response of predators to diverse food sources is crucial for understanding impacts on terrestrial prey.
The role of marine subsidies in the population dynamics of arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) and their primary prey, lemmings (Dicrostonyx richardsoni), remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify the marine-derived food intake of arctic foxes during late winter.
To assess the influence of marine food availability on arctic fox population dynamics.
To determine how marine subsidies affect the predator-prey relationship between arctic foxes and lemmings.

Main Methods:

Stable-carbon isotope analysis was employed to estimate the proportion of marine-based food in the arctic fox diet.
Arctic fox and collared lemming abundance data were collected and analyzed over a multi-year period.
Fox harvest data and polar bear body mass estimates were correlated with seal productivity.

Main Results:

Arctic fox density fluctuated with lemming abundance, but fox populations increased preceding lemming recovery.
During periods of low lemming abundance, arctic foxes consumed a higher proportion of marine-based foods (over two-thirds).
Arctic fox and red fox harvests correlated with polar bear body mass (indicating seal productivity) in most years, except during high lemming abundance.

Conclusions:

Marine food availability significantly influences arctic fox population size, particularly when lemming populations are low.
The numerical response of arctic foxes to marine resources, especially seal carrion, can intensify predation pressure.
Subsidized arctic fox populations may impede the recovery of lemming populations following declines.