Presenter: Elizabeth A. Gillis, Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia
Authors: E.A. Gillis, D.S. Hik, T.J. Karels, and R. Boonstra

Abstract: While some species are restricted to valley bottoms or mountain-tops, other, often closely related, species are able to exploit habitats at a range of elevations. These "elevation generalists" often show extreme plasticity at a relatively small spatial scale as the environmental conditions vary along an elevation gradient. We compared numerical population trends, reproductive output, and survival of one such elevation generalist, the arctic ground squirrel, from two study areas. The high-elevation, alpine site was located between 1700 and 2200 m and while the lower-elevation, boreal forest site was at 600 - 1100 m. By comparing the demography of populations living in close proximity but at different elevations, we hope to gain insights into factors limiting population growth in the two environments.