Title
Lemmings (Lemmus and Dicrostonyx spp.)
Author(s)
Reid, D.G.;Ims, R.A.;Schmidt, N.M.;Gauthier, G.;Ehrich, D.
Published
2012
Abstract
Changes in lemming abundance dramatically alter the composition of the tundra food web, the biomass and structure of vegetation, and the productivity of numerous other birds and mammals.
Recovery of lemmings to high populations after low density years is most often associated with a period of successful breeding and recruitment of young under the winter snow.
Regularity in cycle duration seems to be decaying in many Arctic regions, and cycle amplitude in some regions has collapsed to relatively low densities. More monitoring is required to clarify these patterns.
Future field investigations and modeling are required to identify the primary factors influencing the lengthening period between cycle peaks, and the apparent disappearance of strong population increases to peak densities, because understanding and predicting future Arctic food web dynamics depends on our understanding of lemming abundance.
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