Population ecology of arctic ground squirrels in the boreal forest during the decline and low phases of a snowshoe hare cycle ...
I examined food and predation as factors limiting arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii plesius) populations during the decline and low phases of a snowshoe hare cycle (1992 - 1995). Food and predator limitation were tested experimentally with large-scale (36-ha) experimental manipulations: t...
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| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
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University of British Columbia
2009
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| Online Access: | https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0088119 https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0088119 |
| Summary: | I examined food and predation as factors limiting arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii plesius) populations during the decline and low phases of a snowshoe hare cycle (1992 - 1995). Food and predator limitation were tested experimentally with large-scale (36-ha) experimental manipulations: two food-supplemented areas, a predator exclosure, and a food-supplemented treatment where predators were also excluded. Predator removal doubled population density, while addition of food resulted in a four-fold density increase. Removal of predators and addition of food together resulted in a 10-fold increase in arctic ground squirrel population densities. Population densities and adult survival rates were lower in 1992 and 1993 (two years after the snowshoe hare population decline) than in 1994 and 1995. Food supply and predation interact to limit arctic ground squirrel population densities in the boreal forest during the decline and low phases of the snowshoe hare cycle. Supplemental food did not affect ... |
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