What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the predator–prey dynamics, dietary preferences, and population responses of arctic foxes interacting with coexisting lemming species across different cycle phases.

January 1, 1999Journal of Animal Ecology

Predator–prey relationships: arctic foxes and lemmings

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Authors

AAAnders AngerbjörnStockholm University MTMagnus TannerfeldtStockholm University SESam ErlingeGoogle (United States)

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Implication

Observational field study reveals specialized and generalist predation by arctic foxes on coexisting lemmings, indicating distinct impacts on prey population cycles.

Key Points

To evaluate the predator–prey dynamics, dietary preferences, and population responses of arctic foxes interacting with coexisting lemming species across different cycle phases.
Assessed arctic fox breeding dens, litter sizes, and diet composition across 17 sites along the Siberian north coast during a ship-based expedition.
Evaluated population densities, age profiles, and cycle dynamics of coexisting Lemmus sibiricus and Dicrostonyx torquatus lemming populations.
Arctic fox diet was primarily dominated by Lemmus sibiricus, followed by Dicrostonyx torquatus.
Fox numerical response to Lemmus density displayed a 1-year time lag producing limit cycles, while fox litter size showed an immediate linear increase; no numerical response was observed for Dicrostonyx.
Fox functional dietary response followed a type II curve for Lemmus and a type III curve for Dicrostonyx, indicating foxes act as cycle-amplifying specialists for Lemmus and stabilizing generalists for Dicrostonyx.

Cite This Study

Angerbjörn et al. (1999) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a76a2f1ec1fdabb7369aad4 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2656.1999.00258.x

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Implication

Observational field study reveals specialized and generalist predation by arctic foxes on coexisting lemmings, indicating distinct impacts on prey population cycles.

Predator–prey relationships: arctic foxes and lemmings

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Predator–prey relationships: arctic foxes and lemmings

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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