V - Z
type: Concept

WIDLIFE STRESS
type: Concept
in scheme: projects
definition: Short Title: Wildlife stress Proposal URL: http://classic.ipy.org/development/eoi/proposal-details.php?id=257 Arctic wildlife species have evolved unique physiologies and have developed life-history strategies for survival in the harsh polar environment. However, the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment Report indicates that the climate is rapidly changing in the Arctic and has the potential to alter wildlife habitat, facilitate the northward migration of wildlife diseases and parasites, and alter contaminant cycling. It is imperative that we understand and predict the cumulative impacts that will arise from the multiple stressors associated with climate change. Unfortunately, we have few analytical tools that can be used to assess changes in the health and condition of arctic wildlife. For instance, little is known about the effects on northern wildlife of pathogens or parasites arriving in the arctic from temperate regions; especially under conditions of chronic exposure to low concentrations of immunosuppressive contaminants, nor do we currently have the research tools to study these potential impacts. Our ability to interpret the significance of health indices in arctic wildlife is hampered by a general lack of knowledge concerning the range of normal disease prevalence and pathological conditions. Wildlife populations are of great value to indigenous communities in the arctic as a source of country food and commercial harvests, as a draw for tourism, and as the cornerstone of cultural heritage and identity. Wildlife health assessment programs in the arctic can only be effective with the cooperation of communities that are in daily contact with wildlife and derive the benefits from utilization of this resource. There is a need to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research. Capacity building for research in communities in Canadas north is not only mandated by the Territorial governments, but is necessary for the success of a long-term assessm…