Assessment of ptarmigan (Lagopus spp.) density as the main prey for gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) in autumn on the Yamal Peninsula
https://doi.org/10.18470/1992-1098-2025-3-7
Abstract
Aim. To assess the population density of ptarmigans (Lagopus spp.) necessary for the successful breeding of Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) in the new northern expansion of its breeding range on the Yamal Peninsula.
Aerial surveys of ptarmigan were conducted from an Mi‐8 helicopter in October along the route from the town of Labytnangi – Cape Tiuitei‐Sale. The 560 km long route covers three bioclimatic tundra subzones. A total of 17,407 ptarmigans were counted.
The density of ptarmigan encountered ranged from 3.60 to 55.17 birds per km² in different tundra subzones of the peninsula. The averaged numbers from three aerial surveys showed similar densities for typical and arctic tundra subzones: 34.04 ± 7.37 and 33.53 ± 11.17 individuals/km², respectively. In the shrub tundra, the density was four times lower – 8.45 ± 2.69 individuals/km².
The high ptarmigan density recorded north of the shrub tundra subzone may ensure successful, regular nesting of Gyrfalcons in these areas. According to our estimates, the revealed high abundance of ptarmigans in central and northern Yamal is sufficient for the successful nesting of several dozen pairs of Gyrfalcons.
Supporting agencies: This research was in frame of the grant of the Russian Science Foundation No. 24‐44‐00094. We thank I.A. Sokolov for his help in reviewing the photographs.
About the Authors
N. A. Sokolova
Arctic Research Station of the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Natalia A. Sokolova, PhD
21 Zelenaya Gorka St, Labytnangi, 629404. Tel. +79224591097
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
I. A. Fufachev
Arctic Research Station of the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Ivan A. Fufachev
Labytnangi
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
A. A. Sokolov
Arctic Research Station of the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Aleksandr A. Sokolov
Labytnangi
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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For citations:
Sokolova N.A., Fufachev I.A., Sokolov A.A. Assessment of ptarmigan (Lagopus spp.) density as the main prey for gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) in autumn on the Yamal Peninsula. South of Russia: ecology, development. 2025;20(3):82-92. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18470/1992-1098-2025-3-7
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