(Table 2) Carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios in blood sampled from arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) on Bylot Island between 2003-2008 ...

• Main Authors: Tarroux, Arnaud, Bêty, Joël, Gauthier, Gilles, Berteaux, Dominique
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: PANGAEA 2012
• Subjects: Time coverage; Sample type; Season; Sample amount; δ13C; δ15N; Parameter; Biology; Mass spectrometer Finnigan Delta Plus; International Polar Year 2007-2008 IPY; Arctic Fox; Bylot Island; International Polar Year; IPY; Vulpes lagopus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/pangaea.838989; https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.838989

Inter-individual variation in diet within generalist animal populations is thought to be a widespread phenomenon but its potential causes are poorly known. Inter-individual variation can be amplified by the availability and use of allochthonous resources, i.e., resources coming from spatially distinct ecosystems. Using a wild population of arctic fox as a study model, we tested hypotheses that could explain variation in both population and individual isotopic niches, used here as proxy for the trophic niche. The arctic fox is an opportunistic forager, dwelling in terrestrial and marine environments characterized by strong spatial (arctic-nesting birds) and temporal (cyclic lemmings) fluctuations in resource abundance. First, we tested the hypothesis that generalist foraging habits, in association with temporal variation in prey accessibility, should induce temporal changes in isotopic niche width and diet. Second, we investigated whether within-population variation in the isotopic niche could be explained by ... : Data extracted in the frame of a joint ICSTI/PANGAEA IPY effort, see http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150 ...