Lemming live trapping on Igloolik Island (Nunavut), 2013-2017

Data were collected to obtain density estimates of lemming species present (collared or brown) since lemmings are a very important prey source. Their density can affect predator abundance and, in turn, predation pressure on other species within the food web. Information on sex, age and breeding condition were collected. Lemmings were trapped twice (end of June and end of July) on two trapping grids located in two different types of habitat (wetland and mesic tundra). By trapping twice a year, soon after spring melt, and once before the snow sticks in late summer, we can determine the stage of the lemming cycle.