Bird impacts on ecological structure, composition and function in Arctic ponds
Thomas C. Jensen, Ann Kristin Schartau, Birger Skjelbred, Alexander Eiler, Maarten J. J. E. Loonen, Annelies J. Veraart

TL;DR
Arctic birds significantly alter pond ecosystems by increasing nutrients and changing phytoplankton and zooplankton communities, leading to lower biodiversity.
Contribution
This study reveals how bird activity transforms Arctic pond ecosystems through nutrient inputs and ecological shifts.
Findings
Bird-impacted ponds showed higher phosphorus levels and distinct phytoplankton communities.
High bird impact reduced metazoan zooplankton but increased ciliate abundance and shifted phytoplankton diversity.
Bird activity did not significantly affect CO2 and methane emissions from ponds.
Abstract
Small ponds and lakes and their surrounding riparian zone are ecological hot spots in the Arctic landscape. They are important for biogeochemical cycling and habitats for terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Arctic birds may have strong impact on these small aquatic ecosystems. In particular, the increasing populations of Arctic geese are strongly associated with ponds and can significantly influence the physico-chemical properties and ecological communities of these waterbodies. Birds supply nutrients via feces, grubbing and physical disturbance leading to increased erosion and run-off. We examined how the pond ecosystems, including phytoplankton and zooplankton communities respond to increased bird impact. Six ponds on Svalbard differentially impacted by birds were sampled in summer 2022. Bird-impacted ponds were characterized by higher nutrient concentrations, especially of phosphorus.…
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Taxonomy
TopicsEcology and biodiversity studies · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Marine and coastal plant biology
