This dataset consists of tussock density, mortality rates and causes, and an assesment of rodent-herbivore activity levels in previously burned (2007 Anaktuvuk River fire) and unburned tussock tundra. Eriophourm vaginatum tussocks were counted every meter within a 1 square meter quadrat along three transects. Cause of tussock mortality, as well as level of rodent herbivory was assessed for each tussock, and rodent herbivore activity was assessed for each quadrat.
Data Set Results
Small mammals (rodents and shrews) were sampled 7-12 years following the Anaktuvuk River Fire to examine how post-fire ecological changes influence small mammal abundance. Small mammals were snap-trapped in August 2014, 2017-2019 at the site of the 2007 Anaktuvuk River Fire, and a nearby unburned control site. At each site, 120 traps were set in 3 parallel lines spaced 40m apart. Each trap was spaced 10m apart, baited, and set to rodent sign within one meter of the trap station. Traps were checked the following two mornings with all captures collected and sprung traps reset.
This file contains biomass measurements from vole-grazed and ungrazed Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks taken from the 2007 Anaktuvuk River Fire scar in 2019. Rodent-grazed and ungrazed tussocks were harvested to assess the impact voles have on biomass. Eighteen grazed tussocks and seven ungrazed tussocks were harvested and taken back to the lab. Ungrazed tussocks were subsampled to make seperation faster. Eight additional ungrzed tussocks were measured in the field and biomass estimates were made using allometry equations based on diameter.