Abstract

We propose a fundamental geographic distribution for the wolverine (Golo 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, we 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, we used interpolated temperature maps. We then compared and correlated these climatic factors with spatially referenced data on wolverine den sites and telemetry locations from North America and Fennoscandia, and our contemporary understanding of the wolverine's circumboreal ranee. 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.

Published in

Canadian Journal of Zoology
2010, Volume: 88, number: 3, pages: 233-246
Publisher: NATL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA-N R C RESEARCH PRESS

SLU Authors

• Persson, Jens

  • Department of Animal Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/Z09-136

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/61347