Bird impacts on ecological structure, composition and function in Arctic ponds.

ABSTRACT: Small ponds and lakes and their surrounding riparian zone are ecological hot spots in the Arctic landscape. They are important for biogeochemical cycling and habitats for terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Arctic birds may have strong impact on these small aquatic ecosystems. In particular, the increasing populations of Arctic geese are strongly associated with ponds and can significantly influence the physico-chemical properties and ecological communities of these waterbodies. Birds supply nutrients via feces, grubbing and physical disturbance leading to increased erosion and run-off. We examined how the pond ecosystems, including phytoplankton and zooplankton communities respond to increased bird impact. Six ponds on Svalbard differentially impacted by birds were sampled in summer 2022.

SUBMITTER: Jensen TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12546552 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature