Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland - Workshop report. Technical Report No. 47

1 Technical Report No. 47, 2002 Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland - Workshop report 2 Title: Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland - Workshop report Edited by: Arild Landa Translation: Bjørn Rosing Funding: Nordic Council (Nordic Arctic Research Programme) and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Series:Technical Report No. 47, 2002 Publisher: Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Cover photo: Arild Landa ISBN: 87-90024-83-4 ISSN: 1397-3657 Layout: Kirsten Rydahl Printing: Oddi Printing Ltd., Reykjavik, Iceland Prints: 100 Reference: Landa, A. (ed.) 2002. Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland – Workshop report. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Technical Report No. 47. 33 pp. Key words: Caribou, grazing, herbivores, muskoxen, Ovibos moschatus, Rangifer tarandus, reindeer. Available from:Greenland Institute of Natural Resources P. O . Box 570 DK-3900 Nuuk Greenland Phone: +299 32 10 95 Fax: +299 32 59 57 www.natur.gl 3 Technical Report No. 47, 2002 Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland - Workshop report by Arild Landa (ed.) Contributors in alphabetic order: Gunnar Austrheim, Christine Cuyler, Panipek Daorama, Eric Steen Hansen, Justin Irvine, Arild Landa, Anne Loison, Jon Moen, Kristjana G. Motzfeldt, Christian Pedersen, Mikkel Tamstorf, Rene van der Wal 4 Summary Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GN) has established an extensive network with expertise on large ungulate research and management. Objectives of the network include the enhancement of the research quality and competence at GN as well as the development of monitoring protocols, research programs and sustainable management plans for large ungulates in Greenland. Besides the importance of building a net-work group, another important task is to seek co-ordination and collaboration with international research groups with project interests within Greenland. In parallel with comprehensive research on monitoring techniques and ungulate ecology, the institute has arranged two international workshops on caribou and muskoxen. The first workshop was about the establishment of goals for managing caribou and muskoxen in Greenland, whereas the present delt with the methods needed to monitor ungulate populations and vegetation. The present workshop gathered researchers and representatives from GN, The Home rule Governments’ Directorate for Fishery, Hunting and Villages, experts from the Nordic countries, USA, Scotland and France. The workshop covered a background session on ungulates and grazing as well as a session on mapping the different monitoring and research tools available. Relevant questions on future monitoring and future research plans within Greenland were also addressed. The workshop recommended that future monitoring should be built so that gathered material are processed and available for translation into management advice in a fast and efficient way. Several questions needs to be addressed. How is this herbivore plant balance and how can we be able to predict when populations growing too large and what densities can be within the different areas? A number of rapid habitat assessments to address sustainability questions in the short term, as well as building up a database in the long term are necessary. As a first step the refinement of the existing feedback system from the hunters should be manifested in simpler and clearer forms as well as expanding/developing the cooperation with locals to carry out simple monitoring procedures on vegetation and the density of animals. On a longer term the institutes’ research and monitoring program should be co-ordinated and carried out in co-operation with the other relevant research interests from abroad. The workshop and net work building is finaced by the Nordic Council (NARP Programme) and GN. Eqikkaaneq Pinngortitaleriffik Kalaallit Nunaanni tuttut umimmaallu suliarinerannut tunngatillugu attaveqarfissanik annertuunik pilersitsisimavoq. Tamatumani siunertarineqartut ilagaat Pinngortitaleriffimmi tuttunik umimmannillu misissuinermi nakkutiginninnermilu sulianut tunngatillugu ilisimasat annertunerulernissaat aammalu paasisimasalinnik attavigisassanik pilersitsineq siunissami sulinermi ikiuuttartussanik. Suliassavoq naasut, tuttut umimmaallu nakkutigineqarnissaannik pilersitsiartuaarnissaq tassungalu ilanngullugu ilisimatuut Kalaallit Nunaanni sulianut tunngatillugu nunani allani ilisimatuut suliaannik ataqatigiissaarinissaq suleqatigiinnerlu. Pinngortitaleriffimmik ilisimatuutut sulinerup annertuumut peqatigitillugu ulloq manna tikillugu nunanit allanit peqataaffigineqartumik Kalaallit Nunaanni tuttunut umimmannullu sulianut tunngatillugu workshopeqartitsisoqartarsimavoq. Workshopimi siullermi Kalaallit Nunaanni tuttut umimmaallu pillugit aqutsinermi anguniagassat aalajangersorneqarnerat sammineqarsimavoq. Appaani, ugguuna nalunaarusiorneqartussami, Kalaallit Nunaanni tuttoqatigiit umimmaqatigiillu aammalu nunap naasuisa naliliiffiginissannut nakkutiginissaannullu periaasissat sammineqarput. 5 Worksshopimi tassani Pinngortitaleriffimmit, Aalisarnermut, Piniarnermut Nunaqarfinnullu Pisortaqarfimmiit, nunanilu avannarlerni, USA-mi. Scotlandimi frankrigimilu im-mikkut ilisimasallit katersuuttinneqarput. Workshopimut imaritinneqartunut ilaapput kukiffallit ivigartornerallu pillugu ilisimaneqartut, aammalu nakkutiginninnermi ilisimatusarnermilu periaatsit assigiinngitsut pissarsiarineqarsinnaasut. Ilanngullugit amma sammineqarpoq siunissami kukiffallit Kalallit Nunaanniittut nakkutigineqarnissat ilisimatuutullu misissuiffigineqarnissaat pillugu apeqqut saqqummiunneqarlaunilu oqallisigineqarpoq. Workshopimit inassutigineqarpoq siunissami nakkutilliineq imaalillugu ilusilerneqassasoq paasissutissat pissarsiarineqartut pisortat aqutsinerannut sukkasuumik sunniutilimmillu siunnersuuteqaataasinnaanngorlugit. Aamma nunap naasuisa kukiffallillu oqimaaqatigiiffiata nassaarineqarnissaa pingaartuuvoq. Qanoq ililluta sioqqutsilluta uumasoqatigiit nerisassaminnut naleqqiullutik amerlavalaalernissaat paasisinnaavarput, aammalu uumasut qanoq amerlatigisut nunap immikkoortuata nammassinnaavai? Tuttut umimmaallu amerlassutsimikkut nerisassaasalu allanngorneri paasisinnaassagutsigit ilaatigut inassutigineqartut ilagaat siunissami pisanik nalunaartarnerit pisariinnerusariaqartut nassuiaatinillu pitsaanerusunik ilaqartittariaqarlutik. Tamatuma saniatigut inuit najugaqavissut attavigineqartartut suliamut akuutinneqarnerusariaqarput, taakkua nunap naasuinik uumasullu amerlassusiannik pisariitsumik nakkutilliisuutillugit. Piffissaq ungasinnerusoq isigalugu Pinngortitaleriffiup suleqatiginiartariaqassavai nunani allani ilisimatooqatigiit Kalaallit Nunaanni suliamik ingerlatsinissamik soqutigisallit tuttunik, umimmannik nunallu naasuinik nakkutilliinermi periaasissanik suliaqartillugit. Najukkami nunanilu allani suleqatissanik pilersitsineq Nordisk Ministerrådimit Pinngortitaleriffimillu aningaasalerneqarpoq. Sammenfatning Grønlands Naturinstitut har etableret et omfattende netværk vedrørende arbejdet med rensdyr og moskusokser i Grønland. Formålet er blandt andet at øge den faglige kompetence ved Naturinstituttet angående mere effektive undersøgelser og overvågning af rensdyr og moskusokser, samt at danne et fagligt netværk til støtte for det fremtidige arbejde. Arbejdet omfatter opbygning af et overvågningsprogram for vegetation, rensdyr og moskusokser, samt at koordinere og samarbejde med internationale forskergrupper i gennemførelsen af projekter i Grønland. Parallelt med et omfattende forskningsarbejde i Naturinstituttets regi er der indtil nu afholdt to internationale workshops i relation til arbejde med rensdyr og moskusokser i Grønland. Den første workshop omhandlede fastsættelse af mål for forvaltningen af rensdyr og moskusokser i Grønland. Den anden, som afrapporteres her, omhandlede metoder til at vurdere og overvåge bestande af rensdyr og moskusokser samt vegetation i Grønland. Denne workshop samlede repræsentanter fra Naturinstituttet, Direktoratet for Fiskeri, Fangst og Bygder samt eksperter fra de nordiske lande, USA, Skotland og Frankrig. Programmet for workshoppen omfattede bl.a. en baggrundssession om klovdyr og græsning såvel som en kortlægning af de forskellige overvågningsog forskningsværktøjer, der er tilgængelige. Endvidere blev spørgsmål vedrørende overvågning og fremtidig forskning på klovdyr i Grønland præsenteret og diskuteret. Workshopen anbefalede at fremtidig overvågning udformes på en måde, så indsamlet materiale hurtigt og effektivt kan omsættes i rådgivning til forvaltningen. Endvidere er det vigtigt at finde balancen mellem vegetation og klovdyr. Hvordan kan vi forudse hvornår bestandene bliver for store for græsningsunderlaget, og hvor mange dyr kan de forskellige områder bære? Såfremt 6 This NARP – network project, funded by the Nordic Council, is part of a dynamic process to improve the knowledge foundation for the yearly harvest recommendations, and thus promote sound and sustainable management of caribou and muskoxen in Greenland. Although the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GN) is the largest research institute in Greenland, it is still relatively small with a scientific staff of approximately 20 persons. GN was established in 1995 to provide the Home Rule Government with scientific advice for the sustainable use of natural resources, among them caribou and muskoxen. The institute is expected, however, to cover a wide range of disciplines, and species, as well as vast areas on and around the worlds’ largest island. It is therefore absolutely necessary to seek partners and form alliances with universities and other research institutes to achieve the scientific expertise needed to build knowledge and fulfil obligations. The scientific study of west Greenland caribou and muskoxen is still in its infancy. Although several studies occurred in the past, there was previously no systematic or holistic approach to achieve information relevant to harvest management. Preface Since 1996 GN has carried out two primary and a few secondary projects on large herbivores. The first primary project was: “The interaction among caribou, vegetation and human activities in West Greenland”, which aimed at improving the understanding of caribou populations on the west coast of Greenland. In 1999 the second primary project began: “Establishing a system for monitoring caribou and muskoxen in Greenland”, which focused on monitoring techniques and obtaining current estimates of caribou and muskox abundance in west Greenland. Other research institutions and universities abroad are conducting or planning related projects in Greenland. The purpose of this workshop, “Monitoring effects of large herbivore grazing on vegetation”, was to gather key players and explore the possibilities for future cooperation on vegetation and herbivore research and monitoring projects. Establishing collaboration networks with several leading institutions will ultimately provide better scientific advice to the Home Rule Government for caribou and muskoxen management. Arild Landa Project coordinator Nuuk, Greenland man skal opfange ændringer i antallet af rensdyr, moskusokser og deres fødegrundlag, blev det blandt andet anbefalet at fangsttilbagemeldingerne for fremtiden skal være mere simple og ledsaget af en bedre forklaring. Derudover må lokale kontaktpersoner i større grad indgå i arbejdet, således at disse personer kan udføre simpel overvågning af vegetationen og antallet af dyr. På længere sigt bør Naturinstituttet søge samarbejde med udenlandske forskningsgrupper der har projektinteresser i Grønland om at videreudvikle overvågningsprogrammet og forskningen vedrørende rensdyr, moskusokser og vegetation. Dannelsen af det lokale og internationale netværkssamarbejde er finansieret af Nordisk Ministerråd og Grønlands Naturinstitut. 7 About the NARP-network project........ Background .............................................. Caribou in Greenland ..................................... Muskoxen in Greenland ................................. Issues in sustainable harvest of Arctic ungulates .......................................................... Session I: Background – Sustainable grazing? - Abstracts ................................. 1. Sustainable reindeer husbandry in Sweden ......................................................... 2. Snowmelt and characteristics of growth season in West Greenland ......................... 3. Various impressions from the monitoring work in Qussuk and Sangujaassuit north of Nuuk in the summer of 1997 ...... 4. Status of muskoxen Ovibos moschatus and caribou Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus and feral reindeer Rangifer tarandus tarandus in Greenland ................................ 5. Plant diversity and grazing in the Scandinavian mountains - How does grazing impact plant diversity patterns? ............... 6. The status of large herbivores in the Alps . 7. The population dynamics of Svalbard reindeer. What is the role of parasites? .... 8. Modification of high Arctic ecosystems by herbivores; pattern and process of Svalbard Reindeer grazing ........................ 9. Role of Large Herbivores in Vegetation Response to Global Change in the Arctic... Session II: Mapping important variable and Key Tools - Abstracts ...... 1. Distribution of vegetation within caribou home ranges using telemetry and remote sensing data ................................................ 2. Reindeer lichens and UV-B, future scenarios ...................................................... 3. Aims and methods in grazing ecology: Case studies from WestGreenland and Norwegian alpine habitats ....................... 4. Development of a national monitoring system for landscapes in Sweden ............. 5. Plant-herbivore relationships in the Alps. Presentation of research plans .................. 6. Previous and ongoing vegetation monitoring in West Greenland ................. Session III: Future plans in Greenland, cooperation and networking - abstracts.. 1. Interplay between muskoxen and reindeer grazing: Habitat and herbivore population sustainability .......................... 2. Population division and variability in density and population dynamics among greenlandic reindeer................................... 3. Climate and herbivores - influence of temperature and CO2 on biomass and productivity ................................................. 4. Future needs & plans: Caribou and muskoxen populations effects on range ... 5. Range Use of West Greenland Caribou in relation to habitat, climate and disturbance .................................................. 6. Vegetation variability, distribution, radiation effects and coast inland gradients .... Session IV: Questions ............................. 1. Question 1 & 2: What is sustainable management of Arctic tundra ecosystems? And what are the main scientific challenges related to a sustainable management of plant herbivore interactions in the Arctic tundra? ....................................... 2. Question 3 & 4: Methods and tools in grazing. How could the main problems related to plant –herbivore interactions in Arctic systems be challenged and what information do the management agencies need? ............................................................. Lessons learnt/concluding remarks.... Acknowledgements ................................ References cited....................................... Appendix 1: Workshop programme.... Appendix 2: Addresses workshop participants............................................... Contents 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 25 25 25 27 27 28 30 33 8 About the NARP-network project Harvesting caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) is both an economically and culturally important activity for the inhabitants of Greenland. However, there is much uncertainty concerning present status, ecology and management of caribou and muskoxen in Greenland. Our current goal is to build a network group with expertise on large ungulate research and management, drawing from institutes in Greenland, Nunavut, Denmark, Norway and other relevant institutes. Objectives for the network includes: Network outputs: Share experiences on vegetation & herbivore monitoring and research among northern countries Develop recommendations for a methodology and project design suitable for application in Greenland. Generate a better understanding of the role large herbivores play in vegetation dynamics and ecosystem processes, and be achievable under the field constraints that Greenland’s nature imposes. Enhance the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources’ research quality and competence by building co-operation with large ungulate research groups from the Nordic and other relevant countries. Develop monitoring protocols, research programs and sustainable management plans for large ungulates on Greenland. Build a net-work group on muskox and caribou/reindeer monitoring/research and management. Concrete objectives for this workshop: 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. increased scientific competence at Greenland Institute of Natural Resources establishment of a net-work group of mutual benefit to each other and future research on wild Arctic ungulates in Greenland establishment of monitoring programs in Greenland for caribou and muskoxen recommendations for future research programs on caribou and muskoxen within the Nordic countries recommendations for increased local participation in caribou and muskox monitoring in Greenland.      9 Background The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GNI) was established in 1995 and is the Home Rule government’s centre for biological research. GNI is responsible for achieving scientific knowledge on the natural resources of Greenland, among them caribou and muskoxen. GNI is expected to provide valid recommendations to the Home Rule government for sound harvest management of these large ungulates. The best way to achieve an optimal and sustainable harvest of these resources is much debated, mainly because of a lack of clear goals, lack of information on species ecology and previous monitoring techniques. There is therefore a need to increase GNI’s competence in establishing effective (1) research, (2) monitoring and (3) management protocols. To achieve these goals, we proposed the building of a network group among researchers from Nordic countries with expertise in large ungulate research and management. Furthermore, this should also promote increased exchange of information and cooperative research in future. Wild caribou and muskoxen have always been a vital food resource for the people of Greenland as demonstrated by the abundant bone remains at archaeological site (Møhl 1972; Meldgaard 1986; Sandell & Sandell 1991; Gulløv 1997). Despite the enormous socio-economic changes that have occurred in Greenland during the past century, caribou and muskoxen remain species of cultural and economic importance (Rasmussen 1995; Sandell & Sandell 1998). Meat from these wild ungulates is an important source of income for professional hunters and the possibility of hunting caribou is important culturally and recreationally for non-professional hunters to maintain their contact with the land and access to “Greenlandic foods” (Marquardt & Caulfield 1996; Sejersen 1998). It is clear that, for wildlife managers on Greenland, a major objective is to provide for sustainable harvest of the wild ungulate populations. However, the Greenland that is now entering the 21st century is very different from the Greenland, that entered the 20th century. The human population has increased by a factor of 5 and a market economy has developed (Lyck & Taagholt 1987; Grønlands Statistisk 1999). In addition, the human population has become increasingly mobile through the increase of modern boats with powerful engines (Mattox 1973; Nielsen 1999). Despite the low population density and lack of roads, few parts of Greenland where caribou or muskoxen occur are more than a few hours boat travel from human settlements. Hunting practices have also changed with the development of segregation between professional hunters and recreational hunters. As of 1998 there were 2,556 professional hunters and 7,601 recreational hunters registered (Grønlands Statistik 1999). Professional hunters are dependent on a diverse variety of prey species including crabs, fish, marine mammals, sea birds, ducks and caribou/muskoxen, depending on seasonal availability (Siegstad et al. 1999). These “local foods” are used by the hunter, sold or traded privately, sold to processing companies or sold at town markets. The professional hunters are currently trying to turn what has formerly been a form of subsistence into a profession that is able to maintain a modern standard of life in what is becoming a cash economy with a relatively high standard of living (Caulfield 1993; Marquardt & Caulfield 1996). Therefore the potential pressure on all natural resources, including caribou and muskoxen, is very high (Rasmussen 1995; Heide-Jørgensen & Reeves 1996; Born et al. 1998), and careful regulation of the harvest will be required to ensure its sustainability in the future. 16 8. Modification of high Arctic ecosystems by herbivores; pattern and process of Svalbard reindeer grazing Rene van der Wal, CEH Banchory, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, UK Large herbivores have verifiable and significant impacts on both temperate and tropical ecosystem structure and function. Herbivore impacts on Arctic systems, and particularly the mechanisms by which they influence plant communities, are largely unknown. High Arctic vegetation, commonly overlying permafrost soils, is often dominated by moss with very sparse vascular plant cover. We tested the hypothesis that large herbivores influence Arctic plant communities by altering the depth of the moss layer, leading to warmer soils and benefiting vascular plants. We surveyed 14 high-arctic sites with contrasting reindeer densities across Spitsbergen (76-80ºN). Deeper moss layers significantly depressed soil temperatures and summer grass abundance. Moreover, the abundance of grasses, but not total vascular plant cover, was positively related to the abundance of reindeer, with very low grass cover at sites with low densities of reindeer. In a soil temperature manipulation experiment we found a greater, positive response of grasses to increased temperature compared with non-grasses. These findings indicate that grazer impacts on moss depth, and subsequently soil temperature, may regulate vascular plant abundance and community composition because of the positive but growth-form-specific response of vascular plants to soil warming, leading to the promotion of grasses. Additionally, we observed increased abundance of grasses in the vicinity of bird cliffs, where soil nitrogen availability is very high, indicating that the indirect temperature-driven effects of herbivores may be combined with a direct effect on soil nutrient availability. We propose that the positive association of grasses and large herbivores in high Arctic moss-dominated systems results from two simultaneously operating positive feedback loops. Firstly, herbivore grazing and trampling reduces moss layer depth, leading to increased soil temperatures. Secondly, grasses benefit from grazers as a result of nutrients released from faeces and urine. 9. Role of Large Herbivores in Vegetation Response to Global Change in the Arctic Christian Pedersen, Dept. of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA Concern regarding global climate change, has lead to the idea that vegetation might mitigate the effects of climate change through carbon sequestration. The ability of the vegetation in the Arctic to do this is limited, in part, by nutrient availability. Because vertebrate herbivores exert considerable influence on plant biomass, soil nitrogen dynamics and species composition of plant communities, they may influence the ability of vegetation to function as a carbon sinks in the Arctic. In this study, we will investigate the influence of herbivory on the productivity response of vegetation to climate change in grazed and un-grazed areas. Use of environmental chambers will allow for manipulations of ambient and elevated temperature and CO2 concentrations, and allow us to investigate the role of herbivory by caribou in the sequestration of carbon by vegetation in the Arctic. 17 1. Distribution of vegetation within caribou home ranges using telemetry and remote sensing data Mikkel Tamstorf, National Environmental Research Institute, Dep. For Arctic Environment,, Roskilde, Denmark Vegetation maps for two areas around Kangerlussuaq/Sisimiut and Nuuk/Fiskefjord have been prepared using satellite images and fieldwork. These are used in combination with satellite positions to describe the forage selection of caribou in West Greenland. The vegetation maps of the two areas are based on Landsat TM satellite data and covers in total 51,483 km2. The presentation describes the data processing and fieldwork necessary for obtaining reliable vegetation maps from the Arctic region. The mapping resulted in 7 vegetation related cover types. Due to the large climatic gradient between the coastal and inland regions the mapped types are not consistent throughout the mapped area. An analysis of the plant distribution within each vegetation type at different locations along the gradient was therefore done. All results are distributed on a data-CD, from which the maps and descriptions can be downloaded and used. The accuracy of the maps was assessed using both traditional methods and fuzzy techniques. Not all cover types are mapped with the same degree of accuracy and most of the uncertainty is related to the lack of terrain correction. High-resolution digital terrain models covering the entire area of the two regions do not exist. Fourteen (14) female caribous in the two regions were collared with satellite position transmitters in 1996 and 1997. The transmitters have delivered positions during the period from 1997 to 1999 describing the migrations of the caribou during two full years. The migration patterns are analysed and seasonal home ranges for the individual as well as grouped females have been prepared. The movement analysis shows that the patterns are not uniform among the caribou within the Nuuk region, but consisted of both stationary animals, that stayed summer and winter in the same area, and migrating animals, which moved to other areas during calving and between summer and winter. The utilisation distribution of the animals was used in combination with the vegetation maps to analyse the forage selection of the collared animals. The results from this showed the preference of the animals in the Nuuk region for lichen compared with the animals in the Kangerlussuaq region but also that preferences changed through the year. Home ranges and utilisation patterns for the collared animals are also presented on the data-CD with the vegetation maps. 2. Reindeer lichens and UV-B mapping, future scenarios Eric Steen Hansen, Botanical Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Different physical and chemical characteristics of the complex of problems associated with ultraviolet radiation and the stratosperic ozone depletion caused by CFC-gases are outlined. Plant responses to UV-B radiation will be discussed, and examples both among phanerogams and lichens (Cetraria islandica, Cladonia mitis) will be presented. Living organisms have developed the following strategies to minimise damage induced by UV radiation: (1) organisation and movement of organelles to reduce the absorptive area or move the organelles out of the radiation area, (2) synthesis of screeSession II Mapping important variable and Key Tools - Abstracts 18 ning compounds, which absorb and dissipate the UV radiation as fluorescence or heat, (3) synthesis of accessory enzymes or accessory pigments to protect cells from active forms of oxygen and (5) mechanisms to repair the damage to nucleic acids. – The effects of UV-B radiation vary between species and within varieties of the same species. The developmental stage of the tissue also influences the response. UV-B often causes a reduced biomass, and the radiation also influence on the competetive ecology between plant species and with other organisms. Some future scenarios from the Godthåbsfjord area in West Greenland and the Zackenberg area in East Greenland will be discussed. 3. Aims and methods in grazing ecology: Case studies from WestGreenland and Norwegian alpine habitats Gunnar Austrheim, Department of Botany, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway The first study focuses on effects of reindeer grazing on Arctic tundra vegetation on the west coast of Greenland. Two different vegetation-monitoring techniques have been examined. (1) Small-scale community patterns in permanent plots. This approach focuses on repeated measures of changes in plant community patterns in reindeer grazed areas. A modification of the point intercept method – (cf. ITEX manual) is used for sampling plant community data. (2) Measures of lichen cover and biomass within 100 x 4 quadrates in a wintergrazed area at Nordlandet north of Nuuk (205 km2). The approach focused on lichen cover, height and disturbance. Finally the study will evaluate methods for monitoring vegetation in reindeer grazed areas on the west coast of Greenland. The second study focuses on grazing ecology in Norwegian alpine habitats: “Sustainable use of outlying land for livestock grazing: ecological effects of sheep grazing in alpine habitats”. Our main aim is to identify methods for evaluating the sustainability of sheep grazing in alpine habitats. The general method will be to explore the ecological effects of sheep grazing at a high and intermediate level. Our response variables are plants, rodents, insects and the sheep themselves, in both a productive (Hol, Buskerud county) and an unproductive region (Setesdal-Vesthei, Vest-Agder and AustAgder counties). This approach will give us the possibility to estimate stocking levels with a strong versus an intermediate grazing pressure in the two contrasting habitats. 4) Development of a national monitoring system for landscapes in Sweden Jon Moen, Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden A new nationwide landscape monitoring system in Sweden is currently being developed. The system will cover all habitat types, i.e., including mountains, forests, wetlands, agricultural and urban land, and is based on a hierarchical sampling scheme with remote sensing and field visits. A total of about 500 sites are planned, and about 80 of these will be in mountains areas. A survey was conducted to determine the monitoring needs of the various authorities, i.e., which variables needed inclusion in the system. The sampling will be based on remote sensing of 5 x 5 and 1 x 1 km squares where, among other things, land cover classes will be measured. A series of plots and transects will be laid out in these squares and detailed vegetation data gathered. I will focus on variables discussed in the mountains areas. The monitoring system will be initiated in 2003 and the planned revisit rate of the sites is every 5 years. 19 5. Plant-herbivore relationships in the Alps. Presentation of research plans Anne Loison, Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon, France Studying the dynamics of large herbivore communities and the impact of large herbivore communities on landscape and plant diversity requires long-term studies. So far in Europe, studies have focused mainly on single-species dynamics and on the relationship between domestic ungulates and pasture biomass. I presented a network-based project, which aims at investigating the mechanisms of plant-herbivore relationships from the soil component to the human component, in a single site. We divided our projects in 3 parts. The first focuses on the functioning of herbivore communities, both wild and domestic. We will explore the determinant of forage and habitat selection, feeding regimes, intraand inter-specific competition, and the dynamics at the community level. The second part will focus on the plants and the landscape, with one section on pastures, one on the forest-pasture ecotone, and one on forest regeneration. For both these parts, we will have an historical approach comparing plant and herbivore patterns in mountainsides with different history of use and management, and an experimental approach. The last component is the stakeholder’s point of view and management of this grazing system in a multiuser context. This project will be based in the regional park of Les Bauges in the northern Alps and benefit from long-term monitoring and research of the herbivore components. It gathers several institutes, both research and management, in France, and aims at being part of a larger network on the study of grazing systems in Europe. Greenland would be a natural partner if a study could be conducted on the caribou/muskox/hare herbivore community. 6. Previous and ongoing vegetation monitoring in West Greenland Kristjana Motzfeldt, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland Greenland with its area of 2,106,073 km2 has approximately 407,440 km2 ice-free area. In contrast to other Nordic countries, there is no private ownership of land. Greenland lies in six Arctic climatic zones ranging from high to low Arctic. The flora of Greenland, botanical composition and plant diversity is fairly well explored. There are 513 known species of vascular plants. 49 of these are classified as vulnerable or endangered. At protected sites in southern Greenland with summer temperature above 10oC, longer growing season and sufficient precipitation, grows the white birch Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa and rowan Sorbus groenlandica forests. Since GN was established in 1995, vegetation work has been emphasized on range for the large herbivores, reindeer, muskoxen and sheep. In the late 1970s’, conventional vegetations mapping was carried out in south Greenland and the areas carrying capacity regarding domestic sheep pasturing was evaluated. These vegetations maps have later been digitized. In 1996 vegetation mapping was carried out with satellite photographs on domestic reindeer range at Isortoq, South Greenland. The reindeer farming was established in 1973 and both number of animals and the size of the area have later been increased to approx. 1,500 km2. In 1996 the grazing effects was estimated and one of the sub-areas (approximately 275 km2, calving area) was found to be serious overgrazed, however most of the other sub-areas were in moderate or in good grazing condition. In the years 1997 to 2000 vegetation were mapped with help of satellite photographs in two areas of reindeer and muskox range in West Greenland, Nuuk, SisimiutKangerlussuaq, and one for domestic sheep pastures in South Greenland. These areas 20 cover approx. 76,000 km2.Vegetation analyses were based on the ITEX-concept for estimation of plant communities and coverage. Furthermore, plant preference during winter was investigated by analysing faeces and rumen content from reindeer in two areas, Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk/Akia. The Nuuk/- Akia area has abundant reindeer lichens, in contrast to the Kangerlussuaq area. The main result was that the intake of food was significantly different between the two areas. Reindeer in Akia ate more lichen, while in Kangerlussuaq they ate more graminoids and dwarfshrubs. In Kangerlussuaq the females had worse body condition (fat reserves) and had greater tooth wear compared to females in Akia. In Akia the females had significant lower content of rumen than in Kangerlussuaq. These results indicate that the female reindeer in Akia inhabits better range during winter with a higher nutrient in their food compared to the females in Kangerlussuaq. Serious soil erosion is taking place in the sheep farming area in Vatnahverfi in southern Greenland. Three hypotheses have been launched as explanation for erosion; 1) the Norse farming and extensive agricultural utilization of the land around 1000 A.D., 2) present day sheep farming, and 3) worsening climate and increased sandstorm activity recorded around 1300 A.D. The area has been mapped on aerial photographs by classifying erosion according to erosions forms and by applying standard scales to assess the severity of soil erosion. All mapping data were digitalized, and analysed via geographical information system (GIS). A 5 year re-vegetation project was initiated in 2000. The purpose of this project is to help the natural vegetation cover the eroded areas. Preliminary results are promising. 21 1. Interplay between muskoxen and reindeer grazing: Habitat and herbivore population sustainability Rene van der Wal and Justin Irvine, CEH Banchory, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, UK To understand plant-herbivore interactions in Greenland we need to understand the interactive effects of the major grazers muskox and reindeer. Critical to the performance of large herbivores is the quality of their habitat, as demonstrated in the close relationships between lichen stands and reindeer performance in Northern Scandinavia. Although reindeer densities, and thus their impact on the vegetation, have fluctuated substantially during the last century, the reintroduction of a second large herbivore (muskoxen) to the West coast of Greenland, has radically changed the relationship between large grazers and their food supply on Greenland. Where tundra vegetation in the past has been subject to seasonal grazing at variable intensity by the migratory caribou, muskoxen are more sedentary and apply a year-round grazing pressure in areas where they have established. This leaves limited opportunity for swards to recover from grazing and will result in a muskox-driven vegetation succession away from lichen-rich to graminoid dominated tundra. The implications of lichen loss, particularly in reindeer wintering grounds may have significant impacts for the population dynamics of this species. Currently, all muskoxen populations on the West coast of Greenland are expanding into caribou dominated areas. Therefore, it is both timely and increasingly crucial to investigate the competitive interactions between these two herbivore species and predict their combined future effect on the vegetation. The Kangerlussuaq area of West Greenland presents an ideal opportunity to determine the consequences of muskox expansion to both caribou populations and their habitat. Through the erection of carefully designed temporary (seasonal) and permanent exclosures, the differential impact of these two herbivores (and Arctic hares) will be determined. This will allow herbivore-specific plant species selection to be investigated and, over the longer term, the impact of each herbivore on the plant community structure can be detected. Secondly, herbivore interactions on animal performance and fitness could be tested by focussing hunting/culling efforts in such a way as to reduce the abundance of muskox relative to reindeer in one main area and contrast this with other areas that have different ratios in the densities of these two main herbivores. Combined with diet selection studies and information from the animal density manipulations, this project will generate predictions on the effect of competition between these species on the abundance of each other and their impact on the vegetation. From this, simple, reliable indicators of herbivore performance and vegetation condition will be developed which will facilitate a more quantitative approach to the setting of hunting quotas. Specific objectives: Session III Future plans in Greenland, cooperation and networking – Abstracts test whether competitive interactions between muskox and caribou do occur, investigate the mechanisms that are involved, develop indicators of grazing pressure to assist in planning a sustainable harvest. 1. 2. 3. 22 2. Population division and variability in density and population dynamics among Greenlandic reindeer Anne Loison, Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon, France Studies on caribou behaviour, foraging and habitat selection have been performed mainly in the Kangerlussuaq area, which is easily accessible. It is only very recently that a few individuals have been marked with satellite collars in two different areas, allowing better insights on spatial behaviour to be obtained. The first results point to complex spatial behaviour, where individuals from the same area exhibit different seasonal movement patterns. When following up on such detailed individual studies it is important to understand the interaction between individuals, how population distribution may change with increasing density, and where resource competition may occur. However, these detailed studies can only occur on a small range of the coast. In the meantime, caribou are monitored and managed on the basis of a division into 4 regions: North, Central, South, Paamiut, where populations are assumed to fluctuate in the same extend from year to year. This may mask a reality that is more complex, where each region could host several populations with varying levels of density and different population dynamics. As an alternative to mark and monitor individuals, we suggest to use genetics and GIS to describe the population structure in relation to the habitat fragmentation along the West Coast. The recent advance in genetics and analysis of genetic data allow now to assess genetic barrier, gene flows and population structure without pre-conceived assumption about the spatial structure. We will use these new methods and examine how the genetic structure corresponds with landscape features. 3. Climate and herbivores - influence of temperature and Co2 on biomass and productivity Christian Pedersen, Dept. of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA Critical to the prediction of climate change and development of climate models is the understanding of herbivores on the productivity response of vegetation to climate change. The interaction between herbivores, temperature and CO2 is important for plant species composition, productivity and biomass production in the Arctic. Herbivores might have a large effect on C sequestration and C exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere. This study will investigate the cumulative response of Arctic vegetation to simulated climate change and herbivores in natural field settings. The study will start summer 2002 in Kangerlussuaq and have a minimum 5-year time span. We will construct large enclosures to exclude caribou from certain areas. By using environmental chambers in the grazed and ungrazed areas, manipulation of temperature and CO2 concentration will be performed. We will focus on functional plant groups like graminoids, shrubs, forbs, bryophytes and lichens and their response to grazing by caribou. C sequestration potential is largely dependent on plant functional groups rather than plant species per se. By monitoring the change in biomass and cover of the plant functional groups over time, we will be able to predict the effect of large herbivores and climate change on the C sequestration potential in the Arctic. investigate climate and herbivore/influence of temp and CO2 on biomass and productivity response of Arctic vegetation to simulated climate change in natural field setting importance of interactions between herbivore temp and CO2 to species composi1. 2. 3. 23 4. Future needs & plans: Caribou and muskoxen populations effects on range L. Christine Cuyler, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland Today GN has a wealth of new information, as a direct result of the studies over the past five years, plus historical sources. Regarding caribou, there exists historical information on range condition and abundance, indices of body condition and size, population estimates and herd structures, fertility, range fidelity, parasites, diet, and the annual harvest records. Regarding muskoxen, there exists indices of body condition and size, abundance changes over the past 40 years at Kangerlussuaq, minimum counts and herd structures, diet, and the annual harvest records. For both species, local persons have been involved in monitoring and trained in methods and techniques. Immediate future plans for 2002 include an analysis of resource selection by caribou plus further minimum counts and herd structures, which involve the use and training of locals. -Regarding vegetation and winter range in Kangerlussuaq there are planned initial studies for muskoxen range and the possible range. In the long-term, 2003-, a vision statement for the direction of herbivore/range studies at GNI is necessary. Both summer and winter range must be considered. Interactions with other herbivores, e.g., Arctic hares, geese, might also be addressed. Regardless, it is important to get the message of our vision out to the broader academic community in order to attract collaboration. We need to identify the key indices for measuring change and the mechanisms for why changes occur. Bearing in mind, managers will still insist on our providing them with “numbers”, i.e., population size estimates. In order to buy time we can recommend herbivore densities, which could conserve range quality and availability until better knowledge is obtained. This workshop established a network of several leading scientists and institutions. If funding can be found then future collaboration would provide a better scientific foundation for caribou and muskoxen harvest advice. 5. Range Use of West Greenland Caribou in relation to habitat, climate and disturbance Mikkel Tamstorf, National Environmental Research Institute, Dep. For Arctic Environment,, Roskilde, Denmark We suggest a project that uses remote sensing and GPS collars to monitor range use, migrations and behaviour of caribou in areas subject to disturbance from mining activities, hunting, tourism etc. Home range and migration patterns will be used in combination with existing terrain and vegetation knowledge to document the effects on the caribou forage selection and range use in order to compare ranges. In East Greenland we have suggested a project on: Musk-ox range range in the Zackenberg area using GPS collars and relate results to climate change. (From East Greenland data on muskoxen and climate exist from various projects that started in 1995 (BIO-BASIS-programme - GEO-BASIS, CLIMATE BASIS and the MARINE BASIS). 6. Vegetation variability, distribution, radiation effects and coast inland gradients Eric Steen Hansen, Botanical Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 4. tion productivity, biomass accumulation in the Arctic influence of herbivore on C sequestration and C exchange between vegetation and atmosphere 1. Continued studies of coast-inland vegetation gradients (Godthåbsfjord, Zackenberg, Scoresby Sund etc., see: Lund et al. 2000) 24 Additional studies of the vertical distribution of plants Continued investigation and mapping of plants in ”white spots” in reindeer grazing areas Further studies of lichen biomass and lichen contents of reindeer faeces in reindeer grazing areas Improvement of the methods used in evaluation of grazing degrees with the purpose of obtaining a better adaptation to Greenland conditions Continued lichen growth rate studies Continued studies of plant responses to UV-B radiation and general ”health condition” of lichens Measurements of snow depths and other parameters important for plant communities in reindeer grazing areas. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 25 Question 1 & 2: What is sustainable management of Arctic tundra ecosystems? And what are the main scientific challenges related to a sustainable management of plant-herbivore interactions in the Arctic tundra? Sustainable management, besides sustainability in harvest of living resources should also include conservation of the environment and biological biodiversity. To do this we need to understand the interrelationship between ecosystem, climate and human impact. Within this regard this workshop focused on terrestrial mammals, intra and interrelationships, herbivore interaction with vegetation, climate and parasite variables as well as human harvest and other impacts (disturbance etc.) in the West Greenland region. Particular care is needed in establishing baseline knowledge and in understanding and monitoring the environmental conditions and changes in order to maintain a sustainable use of these living resources. Ungulate populations’ sensitivity depends on stochastic events, ratios winter to summer grounds and quality and quantity of food. Stochastic responses are dependent on both demographic and spatial parameters. The large spatial scale covered by Greenlandic ungulates (north-south gradient) implies that big differences could be expected. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources’ role in large herbivores & overgrazing Regarding large herbivores and range, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources has to develop a long-term monitoring which is comparable with future assessments. However, on a shorter term, there is need for a quick and cost-effective methodology to have an idea of rapid habitat assessment, animal’s numbers, shrub height, soil erosion etc. A multidisciplinary research programme would substantially support integrated and adaptive resource management and monitoring. A long-term strategy funded by 5yr studies in collaboration with alliances from abroad - based on collaborative fund raising effort seems to offer the most realistic possibility to gain the needed knowledge. Also exploration of the existing information and integration into the planning needs to be carried out. The overall studies should be planned cooperatively and integrated to each other among all parties (research institutions) planning studies in Greenland. Question 3 & 4: Methods and tools in grazing. How could the main problems related to plant –herbivore interactions in Arctic systems be challenged and what information do the management agencies need? The harvest of ungulates is presently based on a quota system where the central and local management (municipalities) issues licenses based on applications from hunters. To enable society to make the most of the harvest it is clearly preferable to have as predictable harvest as possible. Especially when quotas are high, as for reindeer during recent years, it seems difficult to fill the quotas. The major part of the quota (75%) is issued among the professional hunters to offer for sale at the local markets (brett) at the same time as most of the population have reindeer meat from own sports harvest, thus the market is overfull. At the same time as the nature of hunt and veterinarian regulations don’t allow this meat to be turned into the commercial market. Predictability in the quotas could allow for building an industry around the harvest, thus make it possible to dispose a larger part of the Session IV Questions 32 Date Time Speaker/Chair Title 10.30 Groups + plenum Question 4: Sustainability in a harvested Arctic system. What information do the management agencies need? 12.00 LUNCH 13.00 Chair: Arild Landa Continued session III: Future plans in Greenland, cooperation and networking Plenum Summary 13.00 2-3 groups + plenum What is missing in the proposed projects when looking back at decision on management needs? Plenum Defining the common denominators for project plans 2-3 groups + plenum Future project co-operation within Greenland Plenum Future networking? Arild Landa Lessons learnt/concluding remarks? 19.00 Farewell dinner at the Nature Institute 33 Appendix 2 Addresses workshop participants NAME ADRESS PHONE/FAX E-MAIL Gunnar Austrheim Norwegian University of Science & Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway (+47) Phone: 73596031 Fax: 73596100 Gunnar.Austrheim@che mbio.ntnu.no Christine Cuyler Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O.Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland (+299) Phone: 321095 Fax: 325957 [email protected] Panipek Daorama Ministry of fisheries, hunting and settlement, P.O.Box 269, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland (+299) Phone: 345000 Fax: 324704 [email protected] Eric Steen Hansen Botanical Museum, University of Copenhagen, Gothersgade 130, DK-1123 Copenhagen K, Denmark (+45) Phone: 35322189 [email protected] Justin Irvine CEH Banchory, Hill of Brathens, Banchory AB344YS, UK (+44) Phone: 1330826335 Fax: 1330823303 [email protected] Arild Landa Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O.Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland (+299) Phone: 321095 Fax: 325957 [email protected] Anne Loison UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratorie de Biometrieet, Biologie Evolutive, 69622 VILLEURBANNE Cedex, France (+33) Phone: 472448111 [email protected] Jon Moen Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, SE-90187 UMEÅ, Sweden (+46) Phone: 907869647 Fax: 907866705 [email protected] Kristjana G. Motzfeldt Greenland Institue of Natural Resources, P.O.Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland (+299) Phone: 321095 Fax: 325957 [email protected] Christian Pedersen Dept. of Biology Penn. State University, 208 Mueller Lab., University Park, PA 16802, USA (+1) Phone: 8148638162 [email protected] Mikkel Tamstorf National Environmental Research Institute, Dep. For Arctic Environment, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark (+45) Phone: 46301932 Fax: 46301914 [email protected] Rene van der Wal CEH Banchory, Hill of Brathens, Banchory AB344YS, UK (+44) Phone: 1330826337 Fax: 1330823303 [email protected] 2 Title: Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland - Workshop report Edited by: Arild Landa Translation: Bjørn Rosing Funding: Nordic Council (Nordic Arctic Research Programme) and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Series:Technical Report No. 47, 2002 Publisher: Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Cover photo: Arild Landa ISBN: 87-90024-83-4 ISSN: 1397-3657 Layout: Kirsten Rydahl Printing: Oddi Printing Ltd., Reykjavik, Iceland Prints: 100 Reference: Landa, A. (ed.) 2002. Monitoring large herbivore effects on vegetation in Greenland – Workshop report. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Technical Report No. 47. 33 pp. Key words: Caribou, grazing, herbivores, muskoxen, Ovibos moschatus, Rangifer tarandus, reindeer. Available from:Greenland Institute of Natural Resources P. O . Box 570 DK-3900 Nuuk Greenland Phone: +299 32 10 95 Fax: +299 32 59 57 www.natur.gl 36