Climate change and mammals of Yakutia

Abstract

Manifestations of the global climate warming in Yakutia and their effects on the ecology and abundance of mammals belonging to different taxa are overviewed. The distribution range of the northern pika has expanded; winter elimination of small rodents has reduced; the abundance rhythm of forest voles has changed; and the abundance of meadow voles has increased. The change in generations of the sable has slowed down, its mean age increased as well as the stability of its reproductive nucleus. Mobility and, consequently, the commercial elimination of this species have increased the abundance of the American mink displays a positive trend. The diet and population dynamics of the red fox have changed. An increase in the snow cover has induced migratory activity of the Siberian roe deer, earlier known as a sedentary species in this region. Milder winter conditions are favorable for the red deer and elk. Unlike the boreal species, expansion of the reindeer coincides with cooling and its depression, with warming and climate instability.