scholarly journals Foxes facilitate other wildlife through ecosystem engineering activities on the Arctic tundra

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Ting Zhao ◽  
Sean M Johnson-Bice ◽  
James D Roth
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Interactions ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Ecosystem Engineering ◽  
Ecosystem Engineers ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Fox ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
The Impact

Top predators largely affect ecosystems through trophic interactions, but they also can have indirect effects by altering nutrient dynamics and acting as ecosystem engineers. Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are ecosystem engineers that concentrate nutrients around their dens, creating biogeochemical hotspots with lush vegetation on the nutrient-limited tundra. Red foxes (V. vulpes) similarly engineer subarctic environments through their denning behavior, and have recently expanded onto the tundra where they now often occupy historically Arctic fox dens. We evaluated the impact of Arctic and red fox denning behavior on other tundra wildlife by comparing predator and herbivore visits to dens and adjacent control areas using camera traps in northeastern Manitoba, where both fox species are sympatric. Both the capture rates and species richness of wildlife were significantly greater at fox dens relative to control sites. Predators were detected almost exclusively on dens occupied by foxes, suggesting carcass or fox presence attracts predators to den sites. This is supported by observations of predators investigating and scavenging prey remains (carrion, feathers) from the dens. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) visited dens more often than control areas, and we hypothesize they are attracted to the enhanced vegetation typically found on dens. Our results suggest Arctic fox ecosystem engineering has a prolonged, indirect effect on caribou by enriching vegetation at dens, whereas both Arctic and red foxes directly facilitate predators by provisioning resources. Understanding how predators affect other organisms via non-trophic interactions provides an enriched view of their functional roles within ecosystems.

scholarly journals Testing Whether Camera Presence Influences Habitat Specific Predation Pressure on Artificial Shorebird Nests in the Arctic

ARCTIC ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Kevin G. Young ◽  
Lisa V. Kennedy ◽  
Paul A. Smith ◽  
Erica Nol
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Fox ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
The Impact

When monitoring the breeding ecology of birds, the causes and times of nest failure can be difficult to determine. Cameras placed near nests allow for accurate monitoring of nest fate, but their presence may increase the risk of predation by attracting predators, leading to biased results. The relative influence of cameras on nest predation risk may also depend on habitat because predator numbers or behaviour can change in response to the availability or accessibility of nests. We evaluated the impact of camera presence on the predation rate of artificial nests placed within mesic tundra habitats used by Arctic-breeding shorebirds. We deployed 94 artificial nests, half with cameras and half without, during the shorebird-nesting season of 2015 in the East Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Nunavut. Artificial nests were distributed evenly across sedge meadow and supratidal habitats typically used by nesting shorebirds. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to assess differential nest survival in relation to camera presence, habitat type, placement date, and all potential interactions. Artificial nests with cameras did not experience higher predation risk than those without cameras. Predation risk of artificial nests was related to an interaction between habitat type and placement date. Nests deployed in sedge meadows and in supratidal habitats later in the season were subject to a higher risk of predation than those deployed in supratidal habitats early in the season. These differences in predation risk are likely driven by the foraging behaviour of Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), a species that accounted for 81% of observed predation events in this study. Arctic fox prey primarily on Arvicoline prey and goose eggs at this site and take shorebird nests opportunistically, perhaps more often later in the season when their preferred prey becomes scarcer. This study demonstrates that, at this site, cameras used for nest monitoring do not influence predation risk. Evaluating the impact of cameras on predation risk is critical prior to their use, as individual study areas may differ in terms of predator species and behaviour.

Development and availability of the free-living stages of Ostertagia gruehneri, an abomasal parasite of barrenground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), on the Canadian tundra

Parasitology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 139 (8) ◽  
pp. 1093-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
BRYANNE M. HOAR ◽  
KATHREEN RUCKSTUHL ◽  
SUSAN KUTZ
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Temperature Threshold ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Overwinter Survival ◽  
Maximum Temperatures ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYClimate change in the Arctic is anticipated to alter the ecology of northern ecosystems, including the transmission dynamics of many parasite species. One parasite of concern is Ostertagia gruehneri, an abomasal nematode of Rangifer ssp. that causes reduced food intake, weight loss, and decreased pregnancy rates in reindeer. We investigated the development, availability, and overwinter survival of the free-living stages of O. gruehneri on the tundra. Fecal plots containing O. gruehneri eggs were established in the Northwest Territories, Canada under natural and artificially warmed conditions and sampled throughout the growing season of 2008 and the spring of 2009. Infective L3 were present 3–4 weeks post-establishment from all trials under both treatments, except for the trial established 4 July 2008 under warmed conditions wherein the first L3 was recovered 7 weeks post-establishment. These plots were exposed to significantly more time above 30°C than the natural plots established on the same date, suggesting a maximum temperature threshold for development. There was high overwinter survival of L2 and L3 across treatments and overwintering L2 appeared to develop to L3 the following spring. The impact of climate change on O. gruehneri is expected to be dynamic throughout the year with extreme maximum temperatures negatively impacting development rates.

scholarly journals Dynamics and persistence of rabies in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Simon ◽  
Olivia Tardy ◽  
Amy Hurford ◽  
Nicolas Lecomte ◽  
Denise Bélanger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Availability ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Infectious Period ◽  
Arctic Fox ◽  
Red Foxes

Rabies is a major issue for human and animal health in the Arctic, yet little is known about its epidemiology. In particular, there is an ongoing debate regarding how Arctic rabies persists in its primary reservoir host, the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), which exists in the ecosystem at very low population densities. To shed light on the mechanisms of rabies persistence in the Arctic, we built a susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered (SEIR) epidemiological model of rabies virus transmission in an Arctic fox population interacting with red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), a rabies host that is increasingly present in the Arctic. The model suggests that rabies cannot be maintained in resource-poor areas of the Arctic, characterized by low Arctic fox density, even in the presence of continuous reintroduction of the virus by infected Arctic foxes from neighbouring regions. However, in populations of relatively high Arctic fox density, rabies persists under conditions of higher transmission rate, prolonged infectious period and for a broad range of incubation periods. Introducing the strong cyclical dynamics of Arctic prey availability makes simulated rabies outbreaks less regular but more intense, with an onset that does not neatly track peaks in Arctic fox density. Finally, interaction between Arctic and red foxes increases the frequency and/or the intensity of rabies outbreaks in the Arctic fox population. Our work suggests that disruption of prey cycles and increasing interactions between Arctic and red foxes due to climate change and northern development may significantly change the epidemiology of rabies across the Arctic.

scholarly journals Foxes in trees: a threat for Australian arboreal fauna?

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina S. A. Mella ◽  
Clare McArthur ◽  
Robert Frend ◽  
Mathew S. Crowther
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Invasive Predator ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Impact

We document the first evidence of tree climbing by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Australia. Camera traps recorded foxes in trees on the Liverpool Plains, New South Wales. This finding prompts a reassessment of the impact that this invasive predator has on Australian fauna: from purely terrestrial to also potentially arboreal.

scholarly journals Size of the lower carnassial in the arctic and the red fox from Late Pleistocene in Belgium compared to other ancient and extant populations

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elwira Szuma ◽  
Mietje Germonpré
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Fox ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Specific Composition ◽  
Food Niche

AbstractLengths, widths, and size proportions (length to width) of the lower carnassial were measured in 45 teeth of the arctic fox and 35 teeth of the red fox from Belgium radiocarbon dated to 46 640–14 120 ka BP. Data the Late Pleistocene foxes from Belgium were compared to 20 ancient and extant populations form Europe, Asia, and North America. The Pleistocene arctic fox from Belgium showed larger carnassial than in all recent samples of this species, whereas the Belgian fossil red foxes were characterized by the carnassial size comparable to that of the recent Siberian red foxes. Both fox species from the Pleistocene of Belgium showed the highest index of the carnassials length to width, which means increase in carnivorous adaptation. We conclude that the higher level of carnivorous specialization reached by the Belgian arctic and red foxes at the end of the Late Pleistocene reflected their scavenging on kills of large carnivores and human hunters (remains of megafauna). Harsh environmental conditions of that period and specific composition of ecosystems led to adapting to a more carnivorous food niche in both foxes.

scholarly journals MENGENAL PEREKAYASA EKOSISTEM

OSEANA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-53
Author(s):  
Allsay Kitsash Addifisyukha Cintra
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Ecosystem Engineer ◽  
Ecosystem Engineering ◽  
Ecosystem Engineers ◽  
Habitat Conditions ◽  
Habitat Condition ◽  
The Impact

UNDERSTANDING THE ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERS. Ecosystem engineers are organisms that can create, destroy or even maintain the sustainability of a particular habitat. The process of ecosystem engineering begins with structural changes in the environment and subsequently change the abiotic the biotic term or the existence of other organisms. Ecosystem engineers are divided into two, namely autogenic and allogenic engineers. Autogenic engineers change the habitat condition by shifting their body conditions, whereas allogenic engineers that can directly change habitat conditions. The impact of ecosystem engineers on the environment is determined by the magnitude and duration of structural changes made or abandoned by the ecosystem engineer. Understanding the concept of ecosystem engineering is useful as one of the efforts to restore habitat and conservation acts.

Den use by arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) in a subarctic region of western Alaska

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 627-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Michael Anthony
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Fox ◽  
Alopex Lagopus ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Subarctic Region ◽  
Arctic Circle ◽  
Aerial Surveys ◽  
Arctic Foxes ◽  
Den Use

Distribution, abundance, and use of arctic fox dens located in coastal tundra communities of the Yukon–Kuskokwim delta were determined in studies from 1985 to 1990. Dens were denser and less complex than those described in studies conducted above the Arctic Circle. Eighty-three dens of varying complexity were found in the 52-km2 study area. Nineteen dens were used by arctic foxes for whelping or rearing pups. Three females relocated litters to multiple dens; a maximum of four dens were used concurrently by pups from one litter. Although red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were common in the region, their use of dens in the study area was minimal. Differences in vegetation at den sites and nearby unoccupied sites were minimal. Furthermore, den sites could not be distinguished from non-den sites during aerial surveys.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal changes in biodiversity by ecosystem engineers: how beavers structure the richness of large mammals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Y. Gauvin ◽  
Daniel Gallant ◽  
Eric Tremblay ◽  
Dominique Berteaux ◽  
Nicolas Lecomte
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Castor Canadensis ◽  
Ecosystem Engineering ◽  
Ecosystem Engineers ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Mobile Species ◽  
History Of ◽  
Landscape Scales ◽  
Long Term Impact

AbstractHigh levels of biodiversity may be needed to maintain ecosystem functioning. By creating niches for other species, ecosystem engineers have the potential to promote biodiversity, but it is unclear how this translates across spatiotemporal scales. We evaluated the long-term impact of ecosystem engineering by beavers (Castor canadensis) on the diversity of mobile species. We tested the hypothesis that the spatial distribution of engineered habitats in different states resulting from ecosystem engineering by beavers increases the biodiversity of large mammals across spatial scales. We tested a second hypothesis that engineered habitat in different states resulting from ecosystem engineering by beavers drive the diversity of large mammals. We compared the richness and composition of boreal mammals using camera traps between habitats with and without history of occurrence by beavers within a protected area, where trapping, hunting, and forest exploitation are prohibited. We found that unique species were mostly found in specific engineered habitats, with ponds and wet meadows showing more species than dry meadows. In addition to the increased diversity of dispersal-limited species, our results show that beavers promote the diversity of mobile species at both local and landscape scales, signaling the importance of niche creation in structuring animal communities across scales.

Consideration of Geopolitical Challenges within the Analysis of Geoenvironmental Risks for Oil and Gas Development of the Russian Arctic

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
O. P. Trubitsina ◽  
V. N. Bashkin
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Optimal Operation ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Stage Model ◽  
Oil And Gas Development ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Geopolitical Risks

The article is devoted to the consideration of geopolitical challenges for the analysis of geoenvironmental risks (GERs) in the hydrocarbon development of the Arctic territory. Geopolitical risks (GPRs), like GERs, can be transformed into opposite external environment factors of oil and gas industry facilities in the form of additional opportunities or threats, which the authors identify in detail for each type of risk. This is necessary for further development of methodological base of expert methods for GER management in the context of the implementational proposed two-stage model of the GER analysis taking to account GPR for the improvement of effectiveness making decisions to ensure optimal operation of the facility oil and gas industry and minimize the impact on the environment in the geopolitical conditions of the Arctic.The authors declare no conflict of interest

Working conditions and occupational pathology of coal miners in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
pp. 452-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Gorbanev ◽  
S. A. Syurin ◽  
N. M. Frolova
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Occupational Diseases ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Coal Miners ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Due to the impact of adverse working conditions and climate, workers in coal-mining enterprises in the Arctic are at increased risk of occupational diseases (OD).The aim of the study was to study the working conditions, causes, structure and prevalence of occupational diseases in miners of coal mines in the Arctic.Materials and methods. Th e data of social and hygienic monitoring “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” of the population of Vorkuta and Chukotka Autonomous District in 2007–2017 are studied.Results. It was established that in 2007–2017 years, 2,296 ODs were diagnosed for the first time in 1851 coal mines, mainly in the drifters, clearing face miners, repairmen and machinists of mining excavating machines. Most often, the ODs occurred when exposed to the severity of labor, fibrogenic aerosols and hand-arm vibration. The development of professional pathology in 98% of cases was due to design flaws of machines and mechanisms, as well as imperfections of workplaces and technological processes. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (36.2%), respiratory organs (28.9%) and nervous system (22.5%) prevailed in the structure of professional pathology of miners of coal mines. Among the three most common nosological forms of OD were radiculopathy (32.1%), chronic bronchitis (27.7%) and mono-polyneuropathy (15.4%). In 2017, coal miners in the Arctic had a professional morbidity rate of 2.82 times higher than the national rates for coal mining.Conclusions. To preserve the health of miners of coal mining enterprises, technical measures to improve working conditions and medical interventions aimed at increasing the body’s resistance to the effects of harmful production and climatic factors are necessary.

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