Plant communities in the Arctic are changing along with the climate, study finds
A new study published in the journal Nature has revealed that climate change is significantly impacting Arctic plant communities. The research, conducted by 54 researchers from 50 different institutions, spanned over four decades and examined more than 2,000 plant communities across the Canadian Arctic, Alaska, and Scandinavia.
The study found that while the overall number of plant species remained constant across the 45 study sites, there was a noticeable shift in the types of plants present at each location. This turnover of plant species was attributed to the effects of climate change, with some species flourishing in response to warmer temperatures, while others experienced declines.
Isla Myers-Smith, one of the authors of the paper and a global change ecologist at the University of British Columbia, explained that around 60% of the plots observed in the study displayed changes in the abundance of plant species. Some sites were gaining new species, particularly in areas that had undergone more warming, while others were losing species.
One of the key findings of the study was the dominance of shrubs at many of the study sites. While shrubs thrived in warmer temperatures, their height posed a challenge to shorter plant species by limiting their access to sunlight. This shift in plant composition could have significant impacts on the ecosystem and other wildlife in the region.
In the Yukon’s Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, Myers-Smith and her team observed an increase in shrubs, sedges, and grasses over time, while lichen populations declined. This change in vegetation could have implications for other wildlife on the island, with winners and losers emerging as certain species adapt to the shifting landscape.
Donald Reid, a retired biologist with the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, noted that the changes in vegetation could affect species like beavers and migratory birds. While some animals may benefit from the increase in shrubs and grasses, others, like the American Golden Plover, could see declines in their numbers due to changes in their preferred habitat.
Park rangers in Qikiqtaruk have been monitoring plant populations on the island, providing valuable support to researchers studying the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems. Richard Gordon, a senior park ranger and Inuvialuit, has witnessed firsthand the changes taking place on the island over the past 25 years. He emphasized the importance of preparing for environmental shifts and their potential impacts on migrating animals like caribou.
Looking ahead, Myers-Smith plans to expand her research to study the broader implications of changing tundra ecosystems on the Arctic food web. With funding secured for a new research project, she aims to investigate how these ecosystem changes, including permafrost thaw and heat waves, are affecting the wildlife that depend on these fragile environments.
As the Arctic continues to undergo rapid transformation due to climate change, ongoing research and monitoring efforts will be crucial in understanding and mitigating the impacts on plant communities and the wildlife that rely on them.
