Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2016
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2016-0050
Abstract
Mesocarnivores are increasingly recognized as key drivers of community dynamics, but the effects of bottom-up and abiotic factors on mesocarnivore populations remain poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of snow conditions, prey abundance, and habitat type on the distribution of five sympatric mesocarnivore species in interior Alaska using repeated snow track surveys and occupancy modelling. Snow depth and snow compaction were the best predictors of mesocarnivore occupancy, with differential effects across species. Coyotes (Canis latrans (Say, 1823)) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L., 1758) occurred in areas of shallow, compact snow, Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis (Kerr, 1792)) occurred in areas of shallow, fluffy snow, and wolverines (Gulo gulo L., 1758) and marten (Martes americana (Turton, 1806)) occurred in areas of deep, fluffy snow. These findings indicate that altered snow conditions due to climate change may have strong direct effects on the distribution of northern mesocarnivores, with divergent effects across species.
Copyright Statement
This is an author-produced, peer-reviewed version of this article. The final, definitive version of this document can be found online at Canadian Journal of Zoology, published by the National Research Council Canada (NRC Research Press). Copyright restrictions may apply. doi: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0050
Publication Information
Pozzanghera, C. B.; Sivy, K. J.; Lindberg, M. S.; and Prugh, L. R.. (2016). "Variable Effects of Snow Conditions Across Boreal Mesocarnivore Species". Canadian Journal of Zoology, 94(10), 697-705.