Arnthor Gardarsson 1938–2022

Professor Arnthor Gardarsson (1938–2022) was an Icelandic ornithologist who made a major contribution to the studies of bird fauna Iceland and ecology waterfowl wetland conservation. After finishing BSc in Zoology from University Bristol 1962 he went California, Berkeley, for PhD project under supervision Frank A. Pitelka. His project, finished 1971, about population feeding Ptarmigan Lagopus muta islandorum. In 1971–73, working with Museum Natural History, conducted research programme on Thjorsarver area. This tundra oasis otherwise desert-like highlands harboured world's largest breeding colony Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus serious threat by hydropower development. A part this ecosystem-oriented study involved aerial surveys birds, method that become one Arnthor's signature tools. Waterfowl held special place heart. The opportunity them detail came 1974 when Lake Myvatn, world-renowned site Iceland, defined as nature reserve. wake heated debate over would have fundamentally altered lake's ecology. 1974, became professor zoology at new biology department promptly focused his academic effort Myvatn. idea monitor ecological situation lake studying its many duck populations. Despite newly acquired protection status, there concern ongoing industrial sediment extraction (continuing till 2004). efforts, students collaborators, soon developed into full-scale foodweb, benefiting deep insight processes. revealed immense fluctuations Myvatn ecosystem, still occur continue attract scientific interest. resulted series classic papers, demonstrating how variable abundance aquatic insects crustaceans determined duckling production subsequent changes It ambition obtain comprehensive picture populations their distribution, size, production, resources, trends. gargantuan task, considering remoteness ruggedness landscape sheer number birds. But daredevil quick apply mapping photographing all important areas, both coastal inland, kept seeking techniques effect. Estimating densities immense, towering seabird colonies northwest biggest challenge. final solution fly low then off cliff edge, taking rapid succession photographs large-format camera aimed slightly backwards – rather risky undertaking myriad fast-flying birds around. endeavours, backed up field studies, estimates alcids, Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, Northern Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis, Gannets Morus bassanus, European Shags Gulosus aristotelis, Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo, Common Eiders Somateria mollissima other ducks, swans, geese even passing migratory waders such Red Knots Calidris canutus, Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres Sanderlings alba. Later extended surveying cover Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica methods trends via ground-based observations. also used skills reveal details dynamics Breidafjördur archipelago, central stronghold Iceland. Spring trips impressive enduring impact many, are now continuing expanding monitoring work marine, freshwater terrestrial habitats served chairman Nature Conservation Council 1990–96, government advisory body managed protected areas. Through leading figure ecosystems had studied, particular crown jewels inland sites addition extensive ornithological skills, fascination marine invertebrates, polychaetes particular, proficient botany. He artistic name himself young age illustrating papers life. character may be described attractive mix generousity, shyness, well being humble, friendly joyful. 1959 married Gudrun Sveinbjarnardóttir (1937–2016), economist Reykjavik. They two children, Soffia Thrandur.