The bioclimatic envelope of the wolverine (Gulo gulo): Do climatic constraints limit its geographic distribution?

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Copeland, J. P.; McKelvey, K. S.; Aubry, K. B.; Landa, A.; Persson, J.; Inman, R. M.; Krebs, J.; Lofroth, E.; Golden, H.; Squires, J. R.; Magoun, A.; Schwartz, M. K.; Wilmot, J.; Copeland, C. L.; Yates, R. E.; Kojola, I.; May, R.

Source:

Canadian Journal of Zoology, NRC Research Press, Volume 88, Issue 3, p.233–246 (2010)

Call Number:

A10COP01IDUS

URL:

http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/Z09-136?journalCode=cjz#.VZwbV01OVok

Keywords:

Gulo gulo, SWAP, wolverine

Abstract:

The authors propose a fundamental geographic distribution for the wolverine (Gulo gulo (L., 1758)) based on the hypothesis that the occurrence of wolverines is constrained by their obligate association with persistent spring snow cover for successful reproductive denning and by an upper limit of thermoneutrality. To investigate this hypothesis, they developed a composite of MODIS classified satellite images representing persistent snow cover from 24 April to 15 May, which encompasses the end of the wolverine’s reproductive denning period. To investigate the wolverine’s spatial relationship with average maximum August temperatures, they used interpolated temperature maps. They then compared and correlated these climatic factors with spatially referenced data on wolverine den sites and telemetry locations from North America and Fennoscandia and with contemporary understanding of the wolverine’s circumboreal range. All 562 reproductive dens from Fennoscandia and North America occurred at sites with persistent spring snow cover. Ninety-five percent of summer and 86% of winter telemetry locations were concordant with spring snow coverage. Average maximum August temperature was a less effective predictor of wolverine presence, although wolverines preferred summer temperatures lower than those available. Reductions in spring snow cover associated with climatic warming will likely reduce the extent of wolverine habitat, with an associated loss of connectivity.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Mammals

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Copeland JP, McKelvey KS, Aubry KB, Landa A, Persson J, Inman RM, Krebs J, Lofroth E, Golden H, Squires J, et al. 2010. The bioclimatic envelope of the wolverine (Gulo gulo): Do climatic constraints limit its geographic distribution? [accessed 2015 Jun 1]; Canadian Journal of Zoology. 88(3):233–246. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/z09-136#.VczpVPm6dQI.