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Spatio-temporal patterns in arctic fox (Vulpes alopex) diets revealed by molecular analysis of scats from Northeast Greenland

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  • Niels Martin Schmidt
  • Tomas Roslin, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki
    • ,
  • Lars Holst Hansen
  • Olivier Gilg, Universite de Franche-Comte, Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique
    • ,
  • Johannes Lang, Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique, Justus Liebig University Giessen
    • ,
  • Benoit Sittler, Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique, University of Freiburg
    • ,
  • Jannik Hansen
    • ,
  • Loïc Bollache, Universite de Franche-Comte, Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Arctique
    • ,
  • Eero Vesterinen, University of Turku, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is endemic to the Arctic where it holds a central position in the trophic interactions. The diet of the species has previously been described as being highly flexible, but whether this flexibility is a constant trait through time, or merely reflects fast temporal changes in abundance among prey taxa, has so far been poorly resolved. Using molecular analyses of arctic fox scats from Northeast Greenland, we first examined the temporal dynamics of arctic fox diets during the short snow-free season, and then examined whether local food availability at different sites affected arctic fox dependence on lemmings. Arctic fox diets included most terrestrial vertebrate species found in the region, and exhibited substantial temporal changes, generally reflecting the dynamic changes in prey availability from late winter through autumn. This dietary flexibility was also reflected geographically, with arctic foxes consuming a variety of local prey (mainly waterfowl and lemmings) in summer. Moreover, the dietary response of arctic foxes to changes in lemming abundance depended on access to non-lemming prey. Based on these findings, we discuss whether varying degrees of lemming-dependency, combined with geographical differences in winter food availability, may explain previously published differences in arctic fox breeding patterns in high arctic Greenland.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer100838
TidsskriftPolar Science
Vol/bind32
Antal sider8
ISSN1873-9652
DOI
StatusUdgivet - jun. 2022

    Forskningsområder

  • Greenland, Metabarcoding, Predation, Trophic interactions, Tundra

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