Espresso Knowledge #42 - Archiving animal movement in a changing Arctic

The Arctic Animal Movement Archive is helping scientists better understand how animals are responding to a changing Arctic.

The archive documents animal movement in a region that faces warmer winters, earlier springs, shrinking ice and increased human development.

Scientists often study animal movement and behaviour to understand the impact of environmental changes.

The archive has researchers from over 100 universities, government agencies and conservation groups across 17 countries.It currently has movement data of more than 8000 marine and terrestrial animals from 1991 to the present.

For example, a study based on movement speed data from 1998 to 2019 shows that bears, caribou, moose, and wolves respond differently to seasonal temperatures and winter snow conditions.

The results will tell us more about species competition, predator-prey interactions, and how these animals adapt to environmental changes.

The archive is documenting a changing Arctic for future generations and will help improve wildlife management.

Original article:

Archive of animal migration in the Arctic

Original study:

The Arctic Animal Movement Archive