Population dynamics of Norwegian red deer: density-dependence and climatic variation.
Proc Biol Sci
; 265(1393): 341-50, 1998 Feb 22.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9523435
ABSTRACT
We present a model on plant-deer climate interactions developed for improving our understanding of the temporal dynamics of deer abundance and, in particular, how intrinsic (density-dependent) and extrinsic (plants, climate) factors influence these dynamics. The model was tested statistically by analysing the dynamics of five Norwegian red deer populations between 1964 and 1993. Direct and delayed density-dependence significantly influenced the development of the populations delayed density-dependence primarily operated through female density, whereas direct density-dependence acted through both female and male densities. Furthermore, population dynamics of Norwegian red deer were significantly affected by climate (as measured by the global weather phenomenon, the North Atlantic Oscillation NAO). Warm, snowy winters (high NAO) were associated with decreased deer abundance, whereas the delayed (two-year) effect of warm, snowy winters had a positive effect on deer abundance. Our analyses are argued to have profound implications for the general understanding of climate change and terrestrial ecosystem functioning.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Cervos
/
Genética Populacional
/
Modelos Biológicos
/
Modelos Teóricos
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Proc Biol Sci
Ano de publicação:
1998
Tipo de documento:
Article