The Arctic Species Trend Index: using vertebrate population trends to monitor the health of a rapidly changing ecosystem

Abstract

The task of measuring the change of Arctic biodiversity and instituting changes to halt and reverse any downturn has been taken up in response to the rapid changes observed in the region. It is an undertaking made more difficult by the rate at which environmental change is occurring and the difficulty in monitoring species in remote and challenging habitats. We explored techniques to aggregate population trends among vertebrate species. We compiled almost 900 time series data sets tracking trends in Arctic vertebrate populations over the past four decades representing 37% of all known Arctic vertebrate species. Our results showed strengths in the breadth of populations and species monitored and the disaggregation of the data to uncover regional trends. Limitations of the data set were still apparent, due to the lack of any stratified monitoring scheme. Specifically, there were more bird species data than any other vertebrate class. To measure progress towards global targets for the environment, such as the Aichi biodiversity targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), indicators like the one we have developed must be strengthened and adapted. Never has it been more important to understand how Arctic ecosystems and the living resources they support are responding to environmental change; tracking how they respond to growing and cumulative pressures will enable pre-emptive action to safeguard their future.

The Relative Influence of Environmental and Human Factors on Seed Plant Richness at the Province Scale in China

“…The calculation of China Living Planet Index employs the same methodologies as the previously published national and regional Living Planet Index, such as the Canada Living Planet Index, Uganda Living Planet Index and the Arctic Species Trend Index (WWF et al,2007;Pomeroy et al, 2006;McRae et al, 2010). It takes the characteristics of China's zoogeography and fauna and the complexity of its ecosystems into account through stratified analysis of data and the selection of species.…”

Tracking Global Population Trends: Population Time-Series Data and a Living Planet Index for Reptiles

“…The index aggregates individual time series of vertebrate population sizes or proxies from around the world to track average changes in abundance through time; it does this by averaging the change in abundance of species over time and conventionally begins in 1970 (Loh et al, 2005;Collen et al, 2009). This method has also been applied to produce LPIs by biogeographic realm (Collen et al, 2009) and at regional and national scales (e.g., Mediterranean wetland species [Galewski et al, 2011]; Arctic vertebrates [McRae et al, 2012]). Furthermore, the LPI has been used to investigate the effectiveness of conservation management by measuring species abundance trends in protected areas across Africa (Craigie et al, 2010) and to test policy scenarios (Nicholson et al, 2012).…”

Mercury in the brain of polar bears (Ursus maritimus ) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida).

“…Arctic wildlife such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida hispida) can be used as sentinel species (Bossart 2006, Kirk et al 2010, Laidre et al 2008, McRae et al 2012, Moore 2008, O'Brien et al 1993, Tabor and Aguirre 2004, Tynan and DeMaster 1997. Both ringed seals and polar bears are common in the Arctic, have a yearround circumpolar distribution (DeMaster and Stirling 1981, McLaren 1958, Smith 1987 and due to their high trophic status and long life span biomagnify relatively high concentrations of Hg and other contaminants (AMAP 2005, de Wit et al 2004, Stamler et al 2005).…”

“…Ringed seals and polar bears can be considered as sentinel species in the study of contaminants (Bossart 2006, Kirk et al 2010, Laidre et al 2008, McRae et al 2012, Moore 2008, O'Brien et al 1993, Tabor and Aguirre 2004, Tynan and DeMaster 1997 because they feed at the top o f the arctic food chain and thus accumulate high levels of pollutants (AMAP 2010, AMAP 2011. Their position in the food web makes them sensitive indicators of the health o f the arctic marine ecosystem (de Wit et al 2004).…”

“…Arctic marine mammals are top predators and sentinels for the health of the arctic ecosystem (Bossart 2006, Kirk et al 2010, Laidre et al 2008, McRae et al 2012, Moore 2008, O'Brien et al 1993, Tabor and Aguirre 2004, Tynan and DeMaster 1997. As well, they are important for the cultural, spiritual, social, and economic survival o f Inuit (Furgal et al 2002, Wein et al 1996.…”