bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Populations and breeding schedules of waders, Charadrii, in high arctic Greenland
Authors: Meltofte Hans 
Published: January 2024

Waders are the dominant birds of the high arctic tundra of Greenland, both in terms of population densities and number of species. Of 11 species of waders breeding regularly in Greenland, nine have their main distribution within the high arctic part. Charddrius hiaticula, Arenaria interpres, Calidris canutus, Calidris alpina, Calidris alba and Phalaropus fulicarius are the most abundant. Living conditions in high arctic Greenland are characterized by extremely low and often sparse vegetation, moderate snow-cover and short cool summers. Large regional, local and annual differences occur, however, and the breeding phenology and population densities of waders are described and analysed in relation to these differences. The annual schedules of the wader populations are reviewed, and the governing factors discussed for each stage, as well as the factors involved in controlling population densities, sizes and changes, and distribution on a larger scale.
A very strong negative correlation was found between start of laying and snow cover in early June, while breeding densities were best correlated with snow-free vegetation cover at this time. The most important ultimate factors involved are probably feeding conditions early in the season and, in snow-rich areas, also increasing predation risk with increasing snow-cover. Compared to other arctic areas, the waders in high arctic Greenland show moderate or low population densities, but they breed earlier than most other arctic populations. Low productivity, as compared to the extremely productive low arctic tundras of North America and Siberia, is responsible for the lower densities, while the limited spring snow-cover makes it possible for the waders to breed earlier in high arctic Greenland.
Finally an attempt is made to estimate the total population sizes of the waders breeding in high arctic Greenland, using both breeding density estimates and estimates of the same populations during winter in the Old World.
Die Flechtengattung Caloplaca in Grönland
Authors: Hansen Eric Steen , Poelt Josef , Søchting Ulrik 
Published: January 2024

The lichen genus Caloplaca is revised on the basis of specimens collected by J. Poelt and H. Ullrich in 1982 and 1983 in West Greenland, as well as all Greenland material in the herbaria of Copenhagen (C) and Oslo (0). A total of 43 species and two species of unclear affinity is described and discussed. Details are given about their ecology and the distribution of nine species is mapped. The taxonomy of some species-aggregates, including Caloplaca pyracea coll. and several black fruited saxicolous forms, is considered still unclear. A diagnostic key to all taxa is presented.
One species and three varieties are described as new: Caloplaca psoricida, C. citrina var. soropelta, C. jemtlandica var. cerinosora, C. lithophila var. elaeophora (with oil paraphyses). Some previously differentiated species growing on different substrates are united: Caloplaca stillicidiorum with C. cerina, and C. cinnamomea with C. ammiospila. Variation in morphology and colour is discussed with spccial cmphasis on the impact of the arctic environment. In several species, e.g. Caloplaca exsecuta and C. tiroliensis, a significant blackening of the apothecium due to anatomical and chemical changes is described.
An attempt has been made to classify the Greenland and some European species in natural infrageneric groups. lt is concluded, however, that a clear cut natural subdivision of this large genus is not possible at present.
Notable new finds from Greenland are: Caloplaca trachyphylla, which is previously reported from western North America and Central Asia, C. anchon-phoeniceon, C. cacuminum, C. insularis, and C. saxifragarum, which are known from the Alps, and the temperate species C. decipiens, C. lactea and C. saxicola. Six species of Caloplaca are recorded as parasitic on lichens: Caloplaca anchon-phoeniceon (on Aspicilia), C. cacuminum (juvenile specimens on crustose lichens), C. castellana (mainly on Placynthium and other cyanophili), C. insularis (on Aspicilia), C. magni-filii (on Lecidea nigroleprosa) and C. psoricida (on Psora rubiformis).
The subfossil diatom flora of four geographically widely separated cores in Greenland
Authors: Foged Niels 
Published: January 2024

Diatoms in cores from four Greenland lakes are reported; one lake is situated in NE Greenland, two in NW Greenland, and one in W Greenland. All cores are of postglacial age, the earliest sample radiocarbon-dated to c. 8500 years B.P.; in each core the latest sample is taken a few cm below the lake bottom.
Previously investigated cores from Greenland showed a gradual change of environmental pH from alkaline to faintly acid lacustrine environments. This is also the case at one of the two sites in NW Greenland, and in W Greenland the pH is initially alkaline but subsequently developing towards neutral and slightly below it. At Station Nord, NE Greenland, the pH is faintly alkaline. However, the data from the fourth lake, Qeqertat, NW Greenland is rather confusing, as the alkaline environment which seems to persist is suddenly interrupted three times by higher levels of acidity.
The diatom flora consists predominantly of cosmopolitan species which are mostly recorded from the extant Greenland flora. In some aspects it represents a transition between the flora of northern Europe and North America. Most of the taxa are recorded from both regions, but some seem to be more common in Europe, whereas a few are more common, or previously only found in North America, especially Alaska.
Some species of particular interest are commented upon, and photographs of selected species are included.
On stomatal behavior in the Greenland Mountain birch
Authors: Kauhanen Heikki 
Published: January 2024

The study was conducted to determine response of birch stomata to evaporative demand and plant internal water status. The experiment was undertaken in Qinguadalenat a site with microtopographical variation. Comparisons were made between trees from a dry hill and from a moist river bank, respectively.
Under natural "stress" conditions, with high air temperature and low humidity, birches in both habitats did not exhibit any significant stomatal response to evaporative demand or low xylem-water potential. Under artificial stress two different patterns appeared. Dry habitat birches closed their stomata abruptly with decreasing xylem-water potential, while stomata! closure in moist habitat trees was gradual.
Afforestation experiments reflecting the treeline conditions in Southwest Greenland
Authors: Ødum Søren 
Published: January 2024

Scrub of Betula pubescens, Alnus crispa, and particularly Sorbus groenlandica indicate potential conifer-treeline conditions in SW Greenland. Experimental treeplanting elucidates the phytogeographical position of the region, especially when using plant material of well known origin.
The history of early introductions and experiments leading to afforestation-attempts 1953ff is surveyed. Pinus sylvestris, Larix sibirica, Picea glauca, and Picea glauca x sitchensis have grown to 4-6 m at interior fiords between 6O°N and 61°N. Recent introductions of high latitude and high altitude origins of Picea glauca, Abies lasiocarpa, and Pinus contorta from Alaska and Yukon have resulted in obviously better adaptable plant material.
Larger fungi associated with Betula pubescens in Greenland
Authors: Elborne Steen A. , Knudsen Henning 
Published: January 2024

A list of 102 larger fungi mainly associated with Betula pubescens in Greenland is given.
Species from most of the major taxonomic groups of larger fungi are represented. The species have been classified into a number of broad mycogeographical types. It is concluded that the fungi associated with B. pubescens in the subarctic part of southern Greenland constitute a fairly large group of which 4/5 of the species are mainly distributed in temperate areas and 1/5 in subarctic or arctic areas.
A quantitative approach to the sexual reproductive biology and population structure in some arctic flowering plants: Dryas integrifolia, Silene acaulis and Ranunculus nivalis
Authors: Phillipp Marianne , Böcher Jens , Mattson Ole , Woodell Stanley R. J. 
Published: January 2024

The population ecology of three species in northwest Greenland (Dryas integrifolia, Silene acaulis and Ranunculus nivalis) was studied in two consecutive seasons. Flowering phenology, population structure, flowering biology (including numbers of pollen grains per anther, germinated pollen grains per stigma, ovules per gynoecium, seeds per fruit), pollination and insect activity were the main features investigated.
They were related to the micro- and macroclimatic conditions.
The results can be summarized as follows:

The unpredictability of the quality and length of the growing season makes the success of the reproductive cycle (i.e. production of mature seeds) very uncertain.
There are seedlings at the studied sites of the three species.
Most of the seedlings disappear.
Population structure results indicate that seedlings become established in at least some years, but input of new individuals is episodic.
Of the three species studied, R. nivalis allocates most resources to reproduction.
Percentage normal pollen varies mostly between plants, less between days and sites (D. integrifolia).
All three species are self-compatible.
Full seed set is obtained only after insect visits.
In S. acaulis seed set may be limited by the number of pollen grains reaching the stigmas.
The flowers provide food (pollen and nectar) for the insects. They also provide shelter, warmth, and a mating place for them.
There are sufficient insect visits per flower to ensure seed set, except possibly in S. acaulis.
About 1 % of total pollen grain production is found as germinated pollen grains on stigmas.
The utilization of pollen and stigmas varies between the three species. R. nivalis is the most efficient, whereas D. integrifolia is the most extravagant.
A cold and rainy summer in 1976 resulted in conspicuously lower seed set in 1977 in spite of the latter summer being comparatively dry and warm.
A 'reproductive budget' quantifying the various steps in the reproductive cycle is presented.
The benthos zonation of the Disko Fjord, West Greenland
Authors: Schmid Michael K. , Piepenburg Dieter 
Published: January 2024

Whereas faunistic knowledge of the Greenland benthos is quite complete on the larger scale, more detailed community studies of the bottom fauna in the numerous Greenlandic fjords are relatively scarce. The benthos of the Disko Fjord on the west coast of Disko Island (West Greenland) was sampled using a van-Veen grab. Benthos communities were distinguished by cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. The zonation pattern mainly reflects a bathymetrical gradient, but the spatial distribution of the fauna is also influenced by the strong aestival river runoff at the origin of the fjord. The resemblances between zones in terms of diversity, abundance, biomass, and faunistic composition were related to possible causes in terms of hydrography, sediment heterogeneity, and temporal patterns of ice cover and primary production.
Aspects of zoogeography, trophic structure, and reproduction ecology were also considered in the discussion of community distribution and composition.
Distribution and numbers of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait
Authors: Koski William A. , Davis Ralph A. 
Published: January 2024

Aerial surveys were conducted over Baffin Bay during May-October 1978-79 and off West Greenland and over southern Baffin Bay, Davis Strait and Hudson Strait during March 1981-82. Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) were dispersed throughout the pack ice in northern Davis Strait and Baffin Bay during late winter and spring and moved into nearshore areas in and adjacent to Lancaster Sound during late June and July.
Important summering areas were identified in Buchan Gulf, Eclipse Sound, Admiralty Inlet, Prince Regent Inlet and Peel Sound, and possibly in Smith Sound and Home Bay, but there was considerable variation in the numbers of narwhals entering these areas each year. Narwhals remained in nearshore areas until late September or early October when they moved south in advance of and with the newly-forming pack ice. During autumn narwhals tended to migrate in large herds, moving both along the coast of Baffin Island and through offshore waters.
Our best estimates of the size of the narwhal population have come from surveys conducted in late spring when the whales are widely dispersed among the offshore pack ice. An estimated 34 363 (± SE 8282) narwhals were present in offshore areas of Baffin Bay that were surveyed four times in May-July 1979. This late spring estimate included narwhals that later summered on both the east and west sides of Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, but excluded animals that summered in northern Hudson Bay. It does not include animals outside the survey area nor is it corrected to account for animals below the surface.
Our aerial survey data indicate that 7.8-9.0% of narwhals in summering areas were calves. An estimate of calving rate is 0.29 calves/adult female/year based on sightings of I-month-old calves without considering mortality between birth and the survey date.
The mortality rate of calves from I month to 13 months of age is estimated as approximately 17%.
Distribution and numbers of Canadian High Arctic narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in August 1984
Authors: Richard Pierre , Weaver Patt , Dueck Larry , Barber David 
Published: January 2024

Aerial photographic surveys of the numbers and distribution of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in fjords and inlets south of Parry Channel, N.W.T., Canada, were conducted between 17 and 29 August 1984. Narwhals were concentrated in waters 350 m or more in depth and were most abundant in Prince Regent Inlet and Admiralty Inlet.
An estimate of 18 000 narwhals (90% Cl 15 000- 21 000) was obtained by combining estimates for the Eclipse Sound area, Admiralty Inlet, Prince Regent Inlet and Peel Sound. We evaluated the visibility of narwhal and white whale (Delphinapterus leucas) models submerged to different depths. Models of adult narwhals could be seen when submerged to I 0 m but could only be clearly distinguished from white whales at depths of 2 m. Such results indicate a limit to counting submerged narwhals. This problem, along with other factors, constrains the estimation of population size.
Summer distribution and movements of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in Eclipse Sound and adjacent waters, North Baffin Island, N.W.T.
Authors: Kingsley Michael C. S. , Cleator Holly J. , Ramsey Malcolm A. 
Published: January 2024

Each year from 1987 to 1991 and in 1993, 3-6 helicopter surveys were flown in August to study the distribution and movements of narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in their summering grounds in western Eclipse Sound, Milne Inlet, Koluktoo Bay and Tremblay Sound. Their summer distribution is influenced by ice cover. They prefer waters that while giving them shelter from the wind, are over deep bottoms. Narwhals associate with ice in Eclipse Sound, a large expanse of water, while it persists, but do not frequent Tremblay Sound, a narrow fjord, when it has ice cover. When Eclipse Sound is ice-free, narwhals frequent smaller water bodies. Favoured areas in the ice-free season have in common the characteristics of being steep-sided and deep.
Narwhals associate in small groups, but these groups aggregate to form larger herds that generally move together. In the short term, movements and distribution are greatly affected by the near presence of killer whales (Orcinus orca), which narwhals seek to avoid.
Growth, reproduction, age structure and feeding habits of white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in West Greenland waters
Authors: Heide-Jørgensen Mads P. , Teilmann Jonas 
Published: January 2024

Reproductive organs, mandibular teeth, stomach contents and body measurements including total mass from white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) taken by Inuit hunters in West Greenland during 1985-1992 were analysed. Both sexes of white whales from West Greenland attain a greater length at physical maturity than do white whales from Alaska, Hudson Bay, northern Quebec, the White Sea and the Kara Sea. Male white whales attain sexual maturity at 6-7 years. Size of testes and presence of spermatozoa suggest that mating takes place in May or perhaps later.
Female white whales apparently become sexually mature at 4 to 7 years of age, but the negative bias of age estimates from whales whose teeth lack the neonatal line confounded our effort to estimate the age at sexual maturity. Gestation lasts at least 330 days, with implantation in May- June, and calves are likely to be born in April-May.
Historical and present distribution, abundance and exploitation of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus L.) in eastern Greenland
Authors: Born Erik W. , Dietz Rune , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter , Knutsen Lars Øivind 
Published: January 2024

The status of the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus L in eastern Greenland is reviewed on the basis of several historical and recent sources of information on distribution, numbers and catch. Walruses occur in small groups along the east coast of Greenland from approximately 63° N to approximately 81° N. Their largest abundance is, however, north of approximately 73° 30' N. The sexes are generally segregated during summer: During August and September, about 50 males are found at each of two terrestrial haulouts Sandøen (74° 15' N) and Lille Snenæs (76° 52' N).
Movement of walruses that could be identified from natural marks indicates that there is a connection between the two groups. During summer, the majority of mature females and subadults of both sexes are distributed further north, between about 80° N and about 81° N. Walruses winter in the Northeast Water Polynya, in leads and cracks in the offshore pack ice in the Fram Strait and Greenland Sea between about 78° N and about 81° N, further south in smaller recurring polynyas, and in the shear zone between fast ice and the pack ice along the east coast of Greenland. Although a connection between walruses in eastern Greenland and Svalbard has been demonstrated, the extent to which the eastern Greenland population is geographically isolated from groups further east has not been determined.
A total kill of about I 680 walruses (including walruses killed-but-lost) by European sealers and hunters between 1889 and 1955 severely reduced the walrus population in eastern Greenland. Back-calculations based on estimates of the present population size of between 500 and 1000 walruses indicate that this population numbered between 700 and 1900 individuals in 1889, and most likely about 900 individuals.
It is estimated that Greenlanders removed 20 to 30 walruses (primarily males) annually during the 198Os and 199Os (23% killed-but lost animals included). This appears to be a sustainable catch.
Altitude distribution of vascular plants in mountains of East and Northeast Greenland
Authors: Schwarzenbach Fritz Hans 
Published: January 2024

An analysis of the altitude distribution of vascular plants is reported for five mountainous areas in East and Northeast Greenland between 71 °N and 80°40' N (field work 1948-1952, 1954, 1956, 1991, 1994-1995, 1998). The analysis rests on a database of 9626 records. There are 176 species documented with 3457 herbarium specimens.
The altitude distribution of each species is shown in bands of 300 m, range 0-1800 m. Unusual altitudinal patterns are suggested to be explained by edaphic, climatic or genetic factors, sometimes also by the history of the vegetation.
A system of "altitude distribution types (ADT)" combines information about the highest sites with the distribution from S to N, and preferred habitats of each species. Biometric estimates of the altitude limit of each species is presented. Limits are highest in the Stauning Alper (72°N, 1720 m), lowest in Kronprins Christian Land (80°N, 900 m), decreasing c. 300 m from the western Stauning Alper to Kong Oscar Fjord.
Average altitude limits of 42 common species are compared with altitude distribution in six other areas in West Greenland, East Greenland and North Greenland. Exposure influences the altitude distribution considerably, depending on the degree of regional climate, continentality and local latitude.
The diversity of the vegetation as estimated by Shannon-Index, Simpson-Index, Q-Statistics for the species/presence-distribution is similar in all areas studied.
Otto Fabricius and the seals of Greenland
Authors: Kapel Finn O. 
Published: January 2024

The life of the Danish missionary, cleric, philologist, naturalist and ethnographer Bishop Otto Fabricius (1744-1822) is reviewed in the first part of this volume. He served as a missionary in Southwest Greenland in 1768-73 and spent his leisure time gaining experience of and collecting information on all products of nature. His work, and his importance as a cleric and as the author of contributions to the study of the Greenlandic language are briefly mentioned: but the greatest importance is attached to his contribution to the sciences of natural history and ethnology. The work that made him famous is Fauna Groenlandica (1780), written in Latin and describing 473 animal species from Greenland, of which 130 were new to science. Although his daily duties were related to his ecclesiastical posts, he continued to conduct and publish scientific studies throughout his life.
Most of this work was written in Danish, and the distribution therefore limited; however, his ethnographical works have been translated into English (Holtved 1962). Some later writers’ evaluations of Fabricius’ contributions to the study of natural history are mentioned, and an attempt is made to explore the character of the man behind the work.
The second part of this volume contains a complete, literal translation into English of Otto Fabricius’ comprehensive treatise on the seals of Greenland (1790 & 1791). A modern-style list of his references is compiled, supplemented with examples of illustrations found in these works.
Otto Fabricius’ contributions to the study of seals are evaluated in the third part of this volume. They enjoy a unique position, since they reflect the intimate knowledge of these animals he was able to obtain by living among seal hunters, as a seal hunter himself.
First he established the existence of four seals species in Greenland besides the common seal (Phoca vitulina), and provided their names to O.F. Müller (1776); secondly he presented precise descriptions of all five species in Fauna Groenlandica. Ten years later he published the treatise on the seals of Greenland; and finally he wrote a detailed description of the seal hunting implements used by the Greenlanders (1810). A comparison with the works of previous and contemporary authors demonstrates that Fabricius’ contributions in this field rank high, particularly because of their stamp of personal and direct observation and experience. This was acknowledged by contemporary scientists, and was still recognized well into the nineteeth century; but today the name and work of Otto Fabricius seem to be known only to a few specialists.