Small mammal monitoring on Herschel Island and Komakuk Beach

• Main Author: Donald Reid, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Cryospheric Information Network 2012
• Subjects: Abundance; Herschel Island; Komakuk Beach; Lemmings; Mammals; Population dynamics; Reproductive ecology; Small mammals; Yukon; International Polar Year-Arctic Wildlife Observatories Linking Vulnerable EcoSystems; Arctic; Herschel; International Polar Year
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5443/751; https://www.polardata.ca/pdcsearch/?doi_id=751

We monitor lemming abundance using three methods. (1) Absolute abundance estimation by capture-mark-recapture. This involves live trapping animals using Longworth traps on three, 2 to 9 ha grids (50 to 256 traps/grid) in wetland and mesic habitats; trapping sessions last for 2-3 days and are repeated up to three times during the summer from early-June to mid-September. We also determine the reproductive condition of all captured animals. (2) Full counts and mapping of lemming winter nests after snow-melt (early June) on our absolute abundance live-trapping grids. (3) Relative abundance estimation by live-trapping (Longworth traps) on four 300 m long transects with 3 traps at stations 15 m apart along each transect. Transects are run for approximately 48 hours, in each of two seasons: spring (early to mid June) and fall (late August or Sept). We also investigate the role of snow cover and depth in habitat selection by lemmings using snow fencing to enhance snow depths on an experimental trapping grid. Snow fencing (1 m high) is erected in parallel lines c. 40 m apart and perpendicular to the prevailing wind, and traps a great deal of extra snow. The intensity of lemming habitat use is measured through the density of lemming winter nests as mapped on the experimental and a control grid just after snow melt in spring. ** If data are downloaded and used for analyses, it would greatly be appreciate that the principal investigator be informed. : Purpose: Long term monitoring of small mammal abundance and reproductive activity : Summary: Not Applicable