scholarly journals Sámi reindeer herders’ perspective on herbivory of subarctic mountain birch forests by geometrid moths and reindeer: a case study from northernmost Finland

SpringerPlus ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Terhi Vuojala-Magga ◽  
Minna T Turunen
Keyword(s):  
2009 ◽  
Vol 257 (1) ◽  
pp. 244-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Tømmervik ◽  
B. Johansen ◽  
J.Å. Riseth ◽  
S.R. Karlsen ◽  
B. Solberg ◽  
...  

Polar Record ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce C. Forbes ◽  
Minna T. Turunen ◽  
Päivi Soppela ◽  
Sirpa Rasmus ◽  
Terhi Vuojala-Magga ◽  
...  

AbstractMountain birch forests in the northern areas of Sápmi, the Saami homeland, serve as pastures for semi-domesticated reindeer. Recent reindeer management of the area has, to date, proceeded with little involvement of reindeer herders or their knowledge. To get more in-depth understanding of recent changes, we present together herders’ knowledge and scientific knowledge concerning the impacts of herbivory and climate change on mountain birch forests in three Saami communities in Norway and in Finland. Most of the herders interviewed reported changes in weather during the preceding decades. Herders agreed that the canopy and understorey of mountain birch forests have changed. The observed transformations in the quality of pastures have increased the financial costs of reindeer husbandry. Our study demonstrates that herders have practical knowledge of the present state and recent changes of birch forests, and of the responses of reindeer caused by these. This knowledge generally coincides with scientific knowledge. We call for better integration of knowledge systems and a better protocol for co-production of knowledge as it relates to more adaptive future reindeer management regimes. Such integration will facilitate understanding of cultural adaptation within rapidly changing social-ecological systems in which sustainable reindeer husbandry continues to be an important livelihood.


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Åshild Ø. Pedersen ◽  
Lasse Asmyhr ◽  
Hans Christian Pedersen ◽  
Nina E. Eide

Context Nest predation is a major factor influencing life history and population dynamics of ground-nesting birds. The transitions between the northern boreal mountain birch forests and the low-alpine tundra are important habitats for the willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758). During the past decades, these landscapes have been extensively developed with cabin resorts in southern Norway, which has led to an increased number of roads and foot paths in relatively undisturbed habitats. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate relative nest-predation rates in elevation gradients (ecotones) spanning from northern boreal mountain birch forests to low-alpine tundra in three locations with contrasting willow ptarmigan densities. Methods We conducted an artificial nest study by using baited track boards (n = 108). Track boards were placed along transects (200 m) in the following three habitat types: birch forest, edge habitat and low-alpine tundra. Predator prevalence was analysed in relation to study-design variables (location, habitat, study period) and the load of human infrastructure (i.e. distance to foot paths and roads), using generalised linear mixed-effect models assuming binomial distribution for the response variable. Key results Prevalence of avian predators was consistently high (range 38.2–85.3%), in contrast to much lower prevalence of mammalian predators (range 2.8–22.9%). Raven (Corvus corax) was the dominant nest predator, followed by hooded crow (C. cornix) and pine marten (Martes martes). Location, as contrasted by differences in willow ptarmigan density, was not significantly related to total relative predation rates. Species-specific predator prevalence was habitat specific and related to human infrastructure, but with opposite relative predation patterns between pine marten and raven. Hooded crow predation was similar across the ecotone and not related to human infrastructure. Conclusions Predator prevalence was habitat specific and affected by human infrastructure (distance to human foot paths). Our study confirmed that human activity might alter the predation rates by generalist species in these low-alpine environments. Implications We recommend that attractive willow ptarmigan habitat should be avoided when planning human infrastructure in alpine ecosystems. To reduce predation pressure in this ecosystem, it appears that generalist predators should be considered for management actions. Further research is needed to explain the underlying mechanism driving expansion of generalist species into alpine habitats. Such knowledge is also important in developing alternative management actions with focus other than predator control.


2015 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 788-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karita Saravesi ◽  
Sami Aikio ◽  
Piippa R. Wäli ◽  
Anna Liisa Ruotsalainen ◽  
Maarit Kaukonen ◽  
...  

Polar Biology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jouko Kumpula ◽  
Sari Stark ◽  
Øystein Holand

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