Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Lack of Reproduction in Muskoxen and
Arctic Hares Caused by Early Winter?
L. David Mech1
Abstract: A lack of young muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and
arctic hares (Lepus arcticus) in the Eureka area of Ellesmere Island,
Northwest Territories (now Nunavut), Canada, was observed during summer 1998,
in contrast to most other years since 1986. Evidence of malnourished muskoxen
was also found. Early winter weather and a consequent 50% reduction of the 1997
summer replenishment period appeared to be the most likely cause, giving rise
to a new hypothesis about conditions that might cause adverse demographic effects
in arctic herbivores.
Key words: arctic hare, Lepus arcticus, Ellesmere Island,
malnutrition, muskox, Ovibos moschatus, population, reproduction, snow,
weather, winter severity.
This resource is based on the following source (Northern Prairie Publication
1084):
Mech, L. David. 2000. Lack of reproduction in muskoxen and arctic
hares caused by early winter? Arctic 53(1):69-71.
This resource should be cited as:
Mech, L. David. 2000. Lack of reproduction in muskoxen and arctic
hares caused by early winter? Arctic 53(1):69-71. Jamestown,
ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/mammals/muskarc/index.htm
(Version 31MAY2000).
Table of Contents
Tables
- Table 1-Records of muskoxen and arctic
hares observed during summers (1986-98) in the Eureka area of the Fosheim
Peninsula, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada.
- Table 2-Weather parameters in study area
during months preceding winter 1997-98 compared to long-term norms and to
the same months preceding winter 1996-97 (Environment Canada, 1998).
1 U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center,
8711 - 37th St. SE, Jamestown, North Dakota 58401-7317, U.S.A.; mailing address:
North Central Research Station, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota 55108,
U.S.A.; mechx002@tc.umn.edu
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