Reindeer on South Georgia
The Ecology of an Introduced Population

Originally published in 1988, this book synthesises the results of many years research into the interaction between a large arctic herbivore and a southern ecosystem.

N. Leader-Williams (Author)

9780521106986, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 4 June 2009

336 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.49 kg

The introduction earlier this century of Norwegian reindeer to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia provided scientists with the unusual opportunity of studying the interaction between a large arctic herbivore and a southern ecosystem that had not previously been exposed to grazing by mammals. Originally published in 1988, this book synthesises the results of many years' research into this fascinating ecological situation. The author develops the observations into two main themes. First,a comparative study of the biology and ecology of a deer that occurs in a wide variety of Arctic habitats. Secondly, an investigation into the ways in which an introduced population adapts to a new environment, its relevance to the population ecology of mammals and to the conservation of southern island ecosystems. In doing this, the author discusses many topics including reproductive biology, feeding ecology, growth, mortality and population dynamics. This in-depth study of a single species in an alien environment will appeal to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, research workers in wildlife management and ecology, conservationists and polar scientists.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Part I. Reindeer in the Arctic and Antarctic: 1. Reindeer and caribou: taxonomy, habitats and ecology
2. The introduction of mammals to new environments
3. South Georgia: the island and its reindeer
Part II. Biology of reindeer: 4. Reproduction
5. Food habits
6. Growth and body condition
7. Causes of mortality
Part III. Ecology of an introduction: 8. Irruptions of reindeer
9. Impact of reindeer on vegetation
10. Introduced mammals on southern islands
Part IV. Overview: References
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ]