作者: Niels M. Schmidt , Rolf A. Ims , Toke T. Høye , Olivier Gilg , Lars H. Hansen
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摘要: Alpine and arctic lemming populations appear to be highly sensitive climate change, when faced with warmer shorter winters, their well-known high-amplitude population cycles may collapse. Being keystone species in tundra ecosystems, changed dynamics convey significant knock-on effects on trophically linked species. Here, we analyse long-term (1988–2010), community-wide monitoring data from two sites high-arctic Greenland document how a collapse collared cyclicity affects the of predator guild. Dramatic changes were observed specialized predators: snowy owl stoat. Following cycle collapse, fledgling production declined by 98 per cent, there was indication severe decline stoats at one site. The less long-tailed skua generalist fox more loosely coupled dynamics. Still, had noticeable reproductive performance. Predator responses differed somewhat between all could arise site-specific differences dynamics, intra-guild interactions or subsidies other resources. Nevertheless, extinctions community restructuring this endemic guild are likely if maintained current non-cyclic, low-density state.