Spatial overlap of sea ice-associated predators and prey in western Hudson Bay.

ABSTRACT: Spatio-temporal distribution of species shapes community structure and ecosystem function, yet the mechanisms driving biological hotspots remain unclear in dynamic environments like sea ice. We computed Getis-Ord (Gi*) distribution hotspots based on four years of direct and indirect observations of polar bears (Ursus maritimus), Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) in western Hudson Bay, to identify spatial clustering and assess spatial relationships among these ice-associated species. We further mapped distribution hotspots of bear-hunting sign to examine predator-prey and intraguild relationships. Polar bears and bearded seals primarily used offshore areas, while Arctic foxes concentrated their activity on nearshore ice. Ring

SUBMITTER: Warret Rodrigues C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863486 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature