The Arctic is already known for having impressive swarms of mosquitoes in the summer. And climate change could boost mosquito population numbers, according to a new study from a Dartmouth researcher.
Lauren Culler studied mosquitoes as they emerged from ponds in Greenland two years in a row. She found the insects are growing faster and maturing earlier, threatening caribou populations who have their calves at the same time.
Culler says warmer winters and spring affect mosquito development in the arctic by melting ponds earlier.
Columbia University researcher Shannan Sweet spends three months of the year in the Alaska tundra researching the effects of climate change on plant life. Her video shows that bugs are a reality of the field season. More on Alaska bugs on Outdoor Explorer.
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
