Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps).
The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is considered a sentinel species for detecting ecological effects of climate change. Pikas are declining within a large portion of their range, and ongoing research suggests loss of sub-surface ice as a mechanism. However, no studies have demonstrated physiologi...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2015-01-01
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| Series: | PLoS ONE |
| Online Access: | http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4372430?pdf=render |
| _version_ | 1828768786634768384 |
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| author | Jennifer L Wilkening Chris Ray Johanna Varner |
| author_facet | Jennifer L Wilkening Chris Ray Johanna Varner |
| author_sort | Jennifer L Wilkening |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is considered a sentinel species for detecting ecological effects of climate change. Pikas are declining within a large portion of their range, and ongoing research suggests loss of sub-surface ice as a mechanism. However, no studies have demonstrated physiological responses of pikas to sub-surface ice features. Here we present the first analysis of physiological stress in pikas living in and adjacent to habitats underlain by ice. Fresh fecal samples were collected non-invasively from two adjacent sites in the Rocky Mountains (one with sub-surface ice and one without) and analyzed for glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM). We also measured sub-surface microclimates in each habitat. Results indicate lower GCM concentration in sites with sub-surface ice, suggesting that pikas are less stressed in favorable microclimates resulting from sub-surface ice features. GCM response was well predicted by habitat characteristics associated with sub-surface ice features, such as lower mean summer temperatures. These results suggest that pikas inhabiting areas without sub-surface ice features are experiencing higher levels of physiological stress and may be more susceptible to changing climates. Although post-deposition environmental effects can confound analyses based on fecal GCM, we found no evidence for such effects in this study. Sub-surface ice features are key to water cycling and storage and will likely represent an increasingly important component of water resources in a warming climate. Fecal samples collected from additional watersheds as part of current pika monitoring programs could be used to further characterize relationships between pika stress and sub-surface ice features. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T13:36:03Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-f78a2c472f75401eafdbf0697eaa6173 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1932-6203 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T13:36:03Z |
| publishDate | 2015-01-01 |
| publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) |
| record_format | Article |
| series | PLoS ONE |
| spelling | doaj.art-f78a2c472f75401eafdbf0697eaa61732022-12-22T01:05:01ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032015-01-01103e011932710.1371/journal.pone.0119327Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps).Jennifer L WilkeningChris RayJohanna VarnerThe American pika (Ochotona princeps) is considered a sentinel species for detecting ecological effects of climate change. Pikas are declining within a large portion of their range, and ongoing research suggests loss of sub-surface ice as a mechanism. However, no studies have demonstrated physiological responses of pikas to sub-surface ice features. Here we present the first analysis of physiological stress in pikas living in and adjacent to habitats underlain by ice. Fresh fecal samples were collected non-invasively from two adjacent sites in the Rocky Mountains (one with sub-surface ice and one without) and analyzed for glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM). We also measured sub-surface microclimates in each habitat. Results indicate lower GCM concentration in sites with sub-surface ice, suggesting that pikas are less stressed in favorable microclimates resulting from sub-surface ice features. GCM response was well predicted by habitat characteristics associated with sub-surface ice features, such as lower mean summer temperatures. These results suggest that pikas inhabiting areas without sub-surface ice features are experiencing higher levels of physiological stress and may be more susceptible to changing climates. Although post-deposition environmental effects can confound analyses based on fecal GCM, we found no evidence for such effects in this study. Sub-surface ice features are key to water cycling and storage and will likely represent an increasingly important component of water resources in a warming climate. Fecal samples collected from additional watersheds as part of current pika monitoring programs could be used to further characterize relationships between pika stress and sub-surface ice features.http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4372430?pdf=render |
| spellingShingle | Jennifer L Wilkening Chris Ray Johanna Varner Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). PLoS ONE |
| title | Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). |
| title_full | Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). |
| title_fullStr | Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). |
| title_full_unstemmed | Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). |
| title_short | Relating sub-surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal, the American pika (Ochotona princeps). |
| title_sort | relating sub surface ice features to physiological stress in a climate sensitive mammal the american pika ochotona princeps |
| url | http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4372430?pdf=render |
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