Indirect interactions between different prey species modulated by shared predators (e.g. Arctic fox) are believed to have important impacts on the structure and/or dynamics of some communities. Yet, our understanding of these types of interactions are still fragmentary. To fill this information gap, the joint circumpolar project on indirect trophic interactions was established in 2016. This project built upon ongoing projects exploring related questions in Canada (Marie-Andrée Giroux, Nicolas Lecomte, Joel Bety) and Greenland (Olivier Gilg, Niels M. Schmidt), while taking advantage of existing networks (ASDN in North America and “Interactions” program in Greenland and Eurasia). The aim of this project was to promote the implementation of several common protocols that will (1) improve each collaborator’s knowledge at the site level and, more importantly, that will (2) be merged across sites and years to improve our understanding of the functioning and the influence of indirect interactions on arctic vertebrate communities in general. Information for the joint circumpolar project on indirect trophic interactions were obtained concurrently with information obtained for the Utqiagvik shorebird project and information on nests included in these files may also be contained within the Utqiagvik shorebird project (file://ifw7ro-file.fws.doi.net/datamgt/mbm/mbmsh_009_Utqiagvik_shorebird_project.
The data providers have invested considerable effort in QA/QC, but it is possible that undetected errors remain. It is strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data to evaluate data set limitations, restrictions, or intended use. The originators of this dataset shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.
Potential users of these data should first contact the data authors listed below, as potential biases may occur within the data depending on the intended use. Limited data was collected in 2020 as a result of reduced field effort due to Covid-19 (did not collect data on artificial nests). Herbivory data (i.e. fecal counts) were not collected after 2019. Therefore, potential users should contact the data authors to discuss intended use and how these data may or may not be applicable.
General field methods are available in the general Utqiaġvik protocol documents that detail specific annual methodologies.
