Breeding phenology of a semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) population in response to climatic variability

摘要: The timing of reproduction in plant and animal species is a strong determinant offspring viability reproductive success. large changes climate reported the last decades could therefore have unprecedented consequences on population dynamics. breeding time many changed over past two to three response change, developing trophic mismatch between peak energy demands by reproducing animals forage availability has caused species’ success decrease. main aim this thesis was determine how phenology reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) responds its environment whether there be resulting fitness consequences. Using long-term datasets 45 years birth dates, 13 mating behaviors 14 copulation dates semi-domesticated Kaamanen, northern Finland, I showed that both calving occurred earlier time, climate. Climatic variables at four key periods cycle were identified as driving phenology: winter, late winter/early spring, summer autumn. Those phenological allowed keep track changing environment, leading an improvement females’ also found “head-start” benefit with some females always doing better than others do. However, later vegetative senescence autumn negatively affected physical condition winter subsequent calf’s weight first-summer survival. If climatic exacerbate, dynamics several ungulate will certainly affected.