What does this research mean for the field?

Ptarmigan and gyrfalcon population dynamics are driven by an integrated system of predator-prey feedback, apparent competition with rodents, and climate sensitivity, demonstrating that species interactions must be included for accurate climate change projections. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To quantify key species interactions, trophic feedback loops, and climate sensitivity within an alpine food web over a 30-year period.

August 22, 2026Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Capturing three decades of alpine food-web and climate dynamics with an integrated predator–prey model

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Authors

ASAnnabel J. Slettenhaar CNChloé R. Nater JØJan Eivind Østnes

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Overview

Ecological modeling study reveals strong trophic feedbacks and climate sensitivity in an alpine food web, highlighting the importance of species interactions in ecosystem forecasts.

Key Points

To quantify key species interactions, trophic feedback loops, and climate sensitivity within an alpine food web over a 30-year period.
Developed an integrated predator–prey model fitted to three decades of ecological monitoring data from a Norwegian alpine ecosystem.
Modeled interactions among gyrfalcons (specialist predators), ptarmigan (key prey), and rodents (alternative prey), accounting for prey survival, predator breeding probability, apparent competition, and spring temperature variability.
Gyrfalcon breeding probability increased with higher ptarmigan density, whereas ptarmigan survival decreased with higher gyrfalcon breeding probability.
Ptarmigan recruitment was positively related to both rodent density and warmer spring temperatures.
Showed that population dynamics emerge from an interconnected system of coupled predator–prey feedbacks, indirect competition, and climatic factors.

Cite This Study

Slettenhaar et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a895fd3ca7ade938187eb0c https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-66670-3

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August 22, 2026Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Capturing three decades of alpine food-web and climate dynamics with an integrated predator–prey model

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

ASAnnabel J. Slettenhaar CNChloé R. Nater JØJan Eivind Østnes

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Ecological modeling study reveals strong trophic feedbacks and climate sensitivity in an alpine food web, highlighting the importance of species interactions in ecosystem forecasts.

Key Points

To quantify key species interactions, trophic feedback loops, and climate sensitivity within an alpine food web over a 30-year period.
Developed an integrated predator–prey model fitted to three decades of ecological monitoring data from a Norwegian alpine ecosystem.
Modeled interactions among gyrfalcons (specialist predators), ptarmigan (key prey), and rodents (alternative prey), accounting for prey survival, predator breeding probability, apparent competition, and spring temperature variability.
Gyrfalcon breeding probability increased with higher ptarmigan density, whereas ptarmigan survival decreased with higher gyrfalcon breeding probability.
Ptarmigan recruitment was positively related to both rodent density and warmer spring temperatures.
Showed that population dynamics emerge from an interconnected system of coupled predator–prey feedbacks, indirect competition, and climatic factors.

Cite This Study

Slettenhaar et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a895fd3ca7ade938187eb0c https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-66670-3

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