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AUTHORS: Carl Tugend III, Dr. Jasmine Saros, Dr. Brian Olsen - Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
ABSTRACT: Goose populations have been increasing globally, particularly over the last few decades, while caribou populations have been declining. Both caribou and geese rely on arctic habitat, with geese using it as breeding grounds and summer habitat. Caribou are typically year-round residents of the Arctic, with some populations present in subarctic habitat. Little is known about the relationship between fluctuating goose and caribou populations and their impact on arctic freshwater ecosystems. We assessed the effects of goose and caribou on a set of six arctic lakes in southwest Greenland. Small-scale lake experiments were conducted to assess responses of algal biomass, nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton communities to pellet input. Algal biomass and nutrient concentrations were higher in caribou pellet treatments and highest in goose pellet treatments compared to control treatments. Additionally, these responses varied across the 6 study lakes, with the strongest responses in nutrient and algal biomass concentrations occurring in the lakes located closest to the ice sheet. Vegetation assessment and pellet density counts were also conducted at each of the six lakes to determine suitable habitat and results will be discussed. As climate warms and goose and caribou populations fluctuate, it will be important to have a better understanding of what impacts these population changes will have on arctic freshwater systems. With this improved knowledge we will be able to better implement management plans and preserve the arctic habitat upon which geese and caribou rely.
