Buried bounty: Caribou survival depends on lichen and snow
Why it matters: Declining lichen directly threatens caribou populations, impacting Arctic ecosystems and indigenous communities.
- Researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry conducted a study indicating that a continued decline in lichen across the Arctic could severely impact caribou survival.
- Caribou populations face a significant threat during winter if their primary food source, lichen, becomes scarce.
- Lichen availability, particularly when buried under snow, is identified as a crucial factor for caribou winter survival.
A new study from SUNY ESF reveals a critical link between declining Arctic lichen and the potential struggle for caribou populations to survive harsh winters. The research highlights how the availability of this specific food source, often buried under snow, is paramount to the caribou's ability to endure the coldest months.
