Climate change causes uncertain effects for Arctic caribou – Folio

New research suggests varied responses to climate change for caribou populations.

Climate change will have uncertain but widespread effects for northern caribou in the entire circumpolar region, say University of Alberta biologists.

After conducting a comprehensive review of current literature on both observed and predicted effects of climate change on caribou in the circumpolar Arctic, taking into account more than 240 publications over the last 40 years, the researchers concluded that caribou’s ability to adapt to changing conditions will depend on the speed and nature of those changes. Some potential effects include altered winter habitat use in response to the increase in forest fire frequency during the summer months and impact on migratory behaviour.