Advancing the match-mismatch framework for large herbivores in the Arctic: Evaluating the evidence for a trophic mismatch in caribou

摘要: Climate-induced shifts in plant phenology may adversely affect animals that cannot or do not shift the timing of their reproductive cycle. The realized effect potential trophic "mismatches" between a consumer and its food varies with degree to which species rely on dietary income stored capital. Large Arctic herbivores heavily maternal capital reproduce give birth near onset growing season but are they vulnerable mismatch? We evaluated long-term changes temperatures characteristics seasons (1970-2013), compared conditions dynamics forage quality for caribou at peak parturition, lactation, biomass, senescence two distinct time periods over 36 years (1977 2011-13). Despite advanced thaw dates (7-12 days earlier), increased lengths (15-21 longer), consistent parturition dates, we found no decline therefore evidence within this dataset mismatch lactation from 1977 2011-13. In ungulates use reproduction, demands largely met by body stores deposited previous summer autumn, reduces adverse effects any availability parturition. forages autumn ranges, however, correspond female offspring gain mass next cycle winter. Therefore, suggest window examine match-mismatch framework is late summer-autumn, where multiplier small amplified abundance, intake, resultant gains mother-offspring pairs.