Ongoing changes in the composition of plant and herbivore communities are likely to have a large impact on the dynamics of Arctic and alpine ecosystems and their ability to respond to changes. Beyond its ecological relevance, herbivory is an important topic for many northern communities, as the main Arctic herbivores are herded (e.g. reindeer), tended as livestock (e.g. sheep) or hunted (e.g. caribou, geese and ptarmigan). The goal of the Herbivory Network is to form collaborative partnerships and design standardized protocols for measuring herbivory across alpine and Arctic ecosystems. The knowledge gained and methods developed in the Herbivory Network will ultimately benefit land use management and conservation around the Arctic.

Photo credit: Eeva Soininen