Herbivory in Arctic Ecosystems

Abstract

Plant-herbivore interactions are a key driver of ecosystem dynamics in arctic regions. Herbivores can influence plants, plant communities and ecosystem processes, but to which extent they do so and in which direction depends on a complex set of environmental factors. Plant-herbivore interactions in arctic environments occur under particular environmental conditions, characterized by marked seasonality, short growing seasons, low temperatures and low primary productivity. These conditions limit the ability of tundra plants to respond to herbivory and imply that herbivores require specific adaptations to cope with the highly heterogeneous plant production. Here, we provide an overview of arctic herbivores and their influences on plants, vegetation, and ecosystem processes in arctic environments, and how these interactions are likely to be altered by the rapid environmental changes happening in this region. We review current efforts and methods used to study plant-herbivore interactions in the Arctic, including recent developments related to invertebrate herbivory and managed grazing systems. Herbivory is an active topic of research in arctic environments given the potential of herbivores to counteract some of the changes associated with recent environmental changes. The field is moving forward, and the increased coordination of research efforts will allow generating more robust predictions of the consequences of the rapid ongoing environmental changes in this region.