Arctic foxes, lemmings, and canada goose nest survival at cape Churchill, Manitoba
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Abstract
We examined factors influencing Canada Goose (Branta canadensis interior) annual nest success, including the relative abundance of collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx richardsoni), arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) den occupancy, nest density, and spring phenology using data collected during annual Canada Goose breeding area surveys at Cape Churchill, Manitoba. Nest density and arctic fox den occupancy strongly influenced Canada Goose nest success. High nest density resulted in higher nest success and high den occupancy reduced nest success. Nest success was not influenced by lemming abundance in the current or previous year as predicted by the “bird-lemming” hypothesis. Reducing arctic fox abundance through targeted management increased nest survival of Canada Geese; a result that further emphasizes the importance of arctic fox as nest predators in this system. The spatial distribution of nest predators, at least for dispersed-nesting geese, may be most important for nest survival, regardless of the abundance of small mammals in the local ecosystem. Further understanding of the factors influencing the magnitude and variance in arctic fox abundance in this region, and the spatial scale at which these factors are realized, is necessary to fully explain predator-prey-alternative prey dynamics in this system.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Arctic foxes, lemmings, and canada goose nest survival at cape Churchill, Manitoba |
| Series title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| DOI | 10.1676/10-097.1 |
| Volume | 123 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wilson Ornithological Society. |
| Description | 11 p. |
| Larger Work Title | Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
| First page | 266 |
| Last page | 276 |
| Country | Canada |
| State | Manitoba |
| Other Geospatial | Hudson Bay |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |