Global climate change and small mammal populations in north-central Chile

Abstract

Long-term studies are important for identifying the importance and strength of biotic interactions and abiotic effects such as those due to global climate change (GCC-Mu ller et al. 2010). The former can be subtle and difficult to detect at short timescales, requiring carefully designed experiments and long-term monitoring to tease apart multiple interactions and distinguish between top-down and bottom-up control The latter necessitates baseline data on preexisting conditions and sustained monitoring during periods of climate variation.