Body condition, movement and genetic landscape of the Greenlandic caribou : drivers of population structure and adaptation at fine-spatial scale 

Aurel is investigating how caribou physiology, movement, and genetics links to local adaptation within a single management unit. First, he will identify different physiological strategies supporting pregnancy using morphological measurements, diet composition, and stable isotope analyses, in order to test the existence of distinct caribou phenotypes within a same management unit. Second, he will analyze GPS data from collared females to assess how vegetation, terrain, and human activities influence seasonal movements to further quantify landscape friction and its role in gene flow. Third, Aurel will combines movement and genomic data to investigate fine-scale population structure and functional landscape connectivity. Genomic analyses will also explore candidate genes linked to physiological differences, informing whether caribou show local adaptation or strong physiological plasticity, with direct implications for conservation and management under climate change.

Supervision: Mathilde Le Moullec (GINR), Glenn Yannic (USMB)

Spatial patterns of plant-herbivore feedback in Greenland 

Laura is an arctic ecologist interested in the effect of herbivores on tundra ecosystems. Her research focuses on plant-herbivore interactions at a landscape scale, as well as population dynamics and habitat use. She is also interested in the role herbivores play in nutrient cycling and in trophic rewilding. Additionally, she is a talented scientific illustrator!

Supervision: Mathilde Le Moullec (GINR), Aline M. Lee (NTNU), Anne Loison (USMB), Ivar Herfindal (NTNU)

Drivers of dispersal in wild reindeer

Characteristics of calving sites in west Greenland caribou 

Amelia is using telemetry and field data to investigate the landscape characteristics of calving and post-calving areas used by caribou in the Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut management area. 

Vegetation mapping in West Greenland

Arthur is working on a vegetation map for the Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut management area, as well as investigating how winter icing events affect plants' nutrient content.