Assessing Winter-Herbivore-Plant Interactions in an Arctic Ecosystem with a Whole-Island Experiment.

A major gap in our understanding of processes regulating the composition and function of ecosystems is the effect of herbivores across spatial and temporal scales.

Despite their significant impact on many ecosystems, the effects of herbivores are often characterized as unpredictable or idiosyncratic, largely due to the lack of large-scale experiments and the failure to consider phenological mismatches.

To address these gaps in knowledge, this project will utilize the arctic tundra in northern Sweden, which is grazed by voles and lemmings, as a model system.

The aim of this project is thus to combine field surveys, mesocosm experiments and large-scale experiments to develop a framework of plant responses to herbivory from individual plants to ecosystems using plant traits and considering phenological mismatches between herbivore and plant activities.

Specifically, the project will involve: 1. monitoring vole and lemming population dynamics and their impact on the vegetation in reference areas using drones and camera traps, 2. characterizing plant traits associated with resistance and tolerance to herbivory throughout the year, and 3. conducting a replicated whole-island experiment of plant herbivore interactions under two different snow scenarios.

Overall, this project will advance our understanding of plant-herbivore interactions across spatial and temporal scalesand provide important insights into forecasting the responses of Arctic ecosystems to future climate changes.