Population densities, vegetation green-up, and plant productivity: impacts on reproductive success and juvenile body mass in reindeer.

ABSTRACT: Global warming is expected to cause earlier springs and increased primary productivity in the Arctic. These changes may improve food availability for Arctic herbivores, but may also have negative effects by generating a mismatch between the surge of high quality food in the spring and the timing of reproduction. We analyzed a 10 year dataset of satellite derived measures of vegetation green-up, population densities, calf body masses and female reproductive success in 19 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) populations in Northern Norway. An early onset of spring and high peak plant productivity had positive effects on calf autumn body masses and female reproductive success. In addition, body masses and reproductive success were both negatively related to population density. The quantity of food av

SUBMITTER: Tveraa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3579868 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature