. In this study, we combine and
analyse long-term data sets on arctic fox population
dynamics and conservation actions from all three Fennoscandian
countries, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Our
analysis aimed to assess the allocation of management
actions and their effects on the arctic fox populations. We
were particularly interested to test how the two types of
management actions worked in conjunction with the
expected key driver of arctic fox population dynamics –
the phases of the small rodent cycle (Fig. 3a). For this purpose,
we employ a statistical approach that allowed us,
based on large-scale and long-term monitoring data, to
quantify simultaneously the relative effects supplementary
feeding, red fox control and rodent population phases.
This study was conducted at a currently retracting edge of
the arctic fox global distribution. In a broader perspective,
we believe that inferences from our study can provide general
insights into species with similar problems.