Dynamic selection for forage quality and quantity in response to phenology and insects in an Arctic ungulate.

ABSTRACT: Spatiotemporal variation in forage is a primary driver of ungulate behavior, yet little is known about the nutritional components they select, and how selection varies across the growing season with changes in forage quality and quantity. We addressed these uncertainties in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus), which experience their most important foraging opportunities during the short Arctic summer. Recent declines in Arctic caribou populations have raised concerns about the influence of climate change on summer foraging opportunities, given shifting vegetation conditions and insect harassment, and their potential effects on caribou body condition and demography. We examined Arctic caribou selection of summer forage by pairing locations from females in the Central Arctic Her

SUBMITTER: Johnson HE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8427565 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature