Mortality of lemmings, <i>Lemmus lemmus</i>, at peak density in a mountainous area of Norway

Abstract

We estimated carcass density and determined cause of death in a peak‐density lemming, Lemmus lemmus , population at Finse, Norway. Of 74 recovered carcasses, 80% had subcutaneous haematoma (blood underneath the skin) in the head region, though the skin on the skull most often appeared unharmed. Thirty percent were apparently killed by a mustelid predator, while 51% were probably killed by corvids. Carcass density was 26.6 and 9.4ha ‐1 in good and poor lemming habitats, respectively.