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Changing arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?

Fact Sheet 2015-3062
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20153062

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Abstract

Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska is a key study area within the USGS CAE initiative. This region has experienced a warming trend over the past decades, leading to decreased sea ice, permafrost thaw, and an advancement of spring phenology. The number of birds on the ACP also is changing, marked by increased populations of the four species of geese that nest in the region. The Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) is the most rapidly increasing of these species. USGS CAE research is quantifying these changes and their implications for management agencies.

Suggested Citation

Hupp, J.W., Ward, D.H., Whalen, M.E., and Pearce, J.M., 2015, Changing Arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of Snow Geese in northern Alaska?: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2015-3062, 2 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20153062.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Changing arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2015-3062
DOI 10.3133/fs20153062
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB
Description Report: 2 p.; HTML Document
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Colville River Delta
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details