Behavioral modifications by a large-northern herbivore to mitigate warming conditions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Temperatures in arctic-boreal regions are increasing rapidly and pose significant challenges to moose (Alces alces), a heat-sensitive large-bodied mammal. Moose act as ecosystem engineers, by regulating forest carbon and structure, below ground nitrogen cycling processes, and predator-prey dynamics. Previous studies showed that during hotter periods, moose displayed stronger selection for wetland habitats, taller and denser forest canopies, and minimized exposure to solar radiation. However, previous studies regarding moose behavioral thermoregulation occurred in Europe or southern moose range in North America. Understanding whether ambient temperature elicits a behavioral response in high-northern latitude moose populations in North America may be increasingly im

SUBMITTER: Jennewein JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7559473 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature