What are the impacts of reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus L.) on arctic and alpine vegetation?: A systematic review

摘要: Background: Reindeer and caribou (both belonging to the species Rangifer tarandus L.) are among most important large herbivores in Eurasia’s North America’s arctic, alpine boreal zones. In Sweden, impact of reindeer grazing on arctic vegetation has recently been re-evaluated. 1990s, records grazing-related degradation helped form a widespread perception that some mountain areas were overgrazed. However, later analyses have shown no evidence large-scale overutilisation ranges Swedish mountains. The present-day consensus is overgrazing temporary local, it rarely caused permanent damage, but imperative examine scientific support for these views. Moreover, Parliament adopted an environmental quality objective according which essential preserve ‘a landscape characterised by grazing’. No details given how this goal be interpreted, another reason why significance arctic/alpine needs assessed. This protocol presents methodology will used systematic review herbivory ecosystems. focus Fennoscandia, data from other parts range R. when deemed appropriate. Methods: based primary field studies compare subject different degrees reindeer/caribou (including browsing as well trampling). Such comparisons can either temporal, spatial or both. cover impacts subarctic, subalpine forest-tundra ecotone) across tarandus, not forests. Relevant aspects include (abundance), biomass, diversity (e.g. richness), structure, composition functional groups) productivity.