[Brent goose colonies near snowy owls: internest distances in relation to breeding Arctic fox densities]

Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol. 2013 Jan-Feb:(1):53-9.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

This study was conducted in 2005 near Medusa Bay (73 degrees 21' N, 80 degrees 32' E) and the delta of the Pyasina River (74 degrees 10' N, 86 degrees 45' E), northwest of the Taimyr Peninsula. It was shown that in the years when the numbers of the Arctic foxes are high, even though the lemming numbers are high as well, Brent geese nest considerably closer to owls' nests than in the years with low Arctic fox numbers. At values of the Arctic fox densities greater than one breeding pair per 20 km2, the factor of lemming numbers ceases to affect the distance between owl and geese nests. This distance becomes dependent on the Arctic fox density (numbers). When the Arctic fox density is greater than the pronounced threshold, the owl-Brent internest distance is inversely and linearly related to the Arctic fox density.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arvicolinae*
  • Foxes*
  • Homing Behavior
  • Species Specificity
  • Strigiformes*