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Skinner M, Hazell M, Jameson J, Lougheed SC. Social networks reveal sex- and age-patterned social structure in Butler's gartersnakes ( Thamnophis butleri). Behav Ecol 2024; 35:arad095. [PMID: 38193014 PMCID: PMC10773305 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arad095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex- and age-based social structures have been well documented in animals with visible aggregations. However, very little is known about the social structures of snakes. This is most likely because snakes are often considered non-social animals and are particularly difficult to observe in the wild. Here, we show that wild Butler's Gartersnakes have an age and sex assorted social structure similar to more commonly studied social animals. To demonstrate this, we use data from a 12-year capture-mark-recapture study to identify social interactions using social network analyses. We find that the social structures of Butler's Gartersnakes comprise sex- and age-assorted intra-species communities with older females often central and age segregation partially due to patterns of study site use. In addition, we find that females tended to increase in sociability as they aged while the opposite occurred in males. We also present evidence that social interaction may provide fitness benefits, where snakes that were part of a social network were more likely to have improved body condition. We demonstrate that conventional capture data can reveal valuable information on social structures in cryptic species. This is particularly valuable as research has consistently demonstrated that understanding social structure is important for conservation efforts. Additionally, research on the social patterns of animals without obvious social groups provides valuable insight into the evolution of group living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Skinner
- Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Megan Hazell
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Joel Jameson
- WSP, 1600 Boulevard Rene-Levesque West, 11th floor, Montreal, QC H3H 1P9, Canada
| | - Stephen C Lougheed
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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2
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Pulvirenti J, Reina RD, Chiaradia A. Exploring subcolony differences in foraging and reproductive success: the influence of environmental conditions on a central place foraging seabird. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:220362. [PMID: 37388318 PMCID: PMC10300673 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
While differences in foraging and reproductive success are well studied between seabird colonies, they are less understood at a smaller subcolony scale. Working with little penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Phillip Island, Australia, we used an automated penguin monitoring system and performed regular nest checks at two subcolonies situated 2 km apart during the 2015/2016 breeding seasons. We examined whether foraging and reproductive success differed between subcolonies. We used satellite data to examine how sea surface temperature, as environmental pressure, in the foraging regions from each subcolony influenced their foraging performance. In the pre-laying and incubation breeding stages, the birds from one subcolony had a lower foraging success than birds from the other. However, this pattern was reversed between the subcolonies in the guard and post-guard stages. Breeding success data from the two subcolonies from 2004-2018 showed that reproductive success and mean egg-laying had a negative relationship with sea surface temperature. We highlighted that variation in foraging and reproductive success can arise in subcolonies, likely due to different responses to environmental conditions and prey availability. Differences at the subcolony level can help refine, develop and improve appropriate species management plans for conserving a range of colonial central place seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pulvirenti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Richard D. Reina
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andre Chiaradia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
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3
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Elley T, Mattern T, Ellenberg U, Young MJ, Hickcox RP, van Heezik Y, Seddon PJ. Consistent Site-Specific Foraging Behaviours of Yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho Breeding on Stewart Island, New Zealand. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060844. [PMID: 35741366 PMCID: PMC9220341 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is endemic to New Zealand and has declined c. 72% since 2008/09 within its mainland range. Population monitoring suggests yellow-eyed penguins are tracking below even the most pessimistic scenario modelled, indicating stressors may not be accurately quantified or underestimated. Fisheries-related bycatch, particularly in gillnets, has been identified as a significant contributor to the species’ decline. Mortality mitigation measures exist for penguins breeding on South Island, with a four nautical mile gillnet exclusion zone in place. Penguins breeding on Stewart Island have no protection, leaving them vulnerable to capture and drowning in gillnets. We use GPS-TDR loggers attached to adult breeding penguins from three sites across Stewart Island to track their at-sea activity, diving behaviour, and investigate the degree of foraging plasticity displayed across this range. Penguins from each site showed significant differences in their preferred habitat use and were consistent between trips and years. Results here show that foraging locations at one site cannot be used to assess habitat use by penguins at other sites. The intra-site and inter-annual consistency in preferred foraging locations observed in Stewart Island penguins reveal that implementation of marine protection may be effective in eliminating fisheries-related mortality and reduce the risk of local extinction. Abstract The endangered yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes) predominantly forages benthically within its mainland range and shows high foraging site fidelity. Identifying consistencies in foraging locations can allow effective conservation, especially when managing bycatch risk. This study investigated the at-sea distribution of penguins breeding on Stewart Island to explore site-specific foraging strategies and inform fisheries management. During the 2020/21 season, 19 adult breeding yellow-eyed penguins from Port Pegasus, Paterson Inlet, and Codfish Island were fitted with GPS-TDR dive loggers to track their movements and diving behaviours. A total of 25,696 dives were recorded across 91 foraging trips. Birds from Port Pegasus reached significantly greater depths, spent longer at the seafloor, and performed longer dives. They also had the smallest foraging distribution, with most activity concentrated inshore. Compared to Port Pegasus, foraging radii and trip lengths were twice as large for Paterson Inlet and four times larger at Codfish Island. Despite differences in available foraging habitat, considerable individual and intra-site consistency for preferred foraging locations was observed. Localised behaviour and inter-site differences in dive metrics suggest significant plasticity in foraging ecology across their mainland range; however, individual behaviour and preferred foraging locations were extremely predictable. Thus, risk of mortality from fisheries can be quantified and managed accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor Elley
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (T.M.); (M.J.Y.); (R.P.H.); (Y.v.H.); (P.J.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Mattern
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (T.M.); (M.J.Y.); (R.P.H.); (Y.v.H.); (P.J.S.)
- Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn 9120, Argentina;
| | - Ursula Ellenberg
- Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn 9120, Argentina;
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Melanie J. Young
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (T.M.); (M.J.Y.); (R.P.H.); (Y.v.H.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Rachel P. Hickcox
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (T.M.); (M.J.Y.); (R.P.H.); (Y.v.H.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Yolanda van Heezik
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (T.M.); (M.J.Y.); (R.P.H.); (Y.v.H.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Philip J. Seddon
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (T.M.); (M.J.Y.); (R.P.H.); (Y.v.H.); (P.J.S.)
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Rosciano NG, Pütz K, Polito MJ, Raya Rey A. Where’s the best supermarket deal? Female Southern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) show variable foraging areas during the guard stage at Isla de los Estados, Argentina. CAN J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial distribution of seabirds contributes to comprehending their ecological requirements and dispersion patterns. We studied the at-sea distribution of female Southern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome (J.R. Forster, 1781)) at Isla de los Estados colony during the early chick-rearing period. We used a clustering analysis approach to identify different groups according to the foraging trip (tracking and diving data from GPS and temperature and depth data loggers) and diet (δ15N composition on blood samples) characteristics. Foraging trips differed in duration, location, and dive depths explored. Females in clusters 1 and 3 traveled longer distances and in opposite directions (36.3 ± 21.3 and 40.3 ± 14.0 km, respectively). Females in cluster 2 fed closer to the colony (16.8 ± 7.8 km). Dives occurred in pelagic habitats. Higher δ15N values suggested a greater proportion of fish (e.g., the Fuegian sprat, Sprattus fuegensis (Jenyns, 1842)) consumption in the northern foraging areas (cluster 1). The variability observed in the spatial distribution suggests flexibility in the foraging behavior of Southern Rockhopper Penguins and availability of adequate foraging areas within the colony range during the early chick-rearing period, both important features for Southern Rockhopper Penguin population. These results contribute to understanding the use of the Southern Ocean by marine mesopredators and top predators and to the marine spatial planning in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia G. Rosciano
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Bernardo A. Houssay 200 (V9410CAB), Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | - Klemens Pütz
- Antarctic Research Trust, Am Oste-Hamme-Kanal 10, D-27432 Bremervörde, Germany
| | - Michael J. Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Andrea Raya Rey
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Bernardo A. Houssay 200 (V9410CAB), Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Amenábar 1595, Office 19, C1426AKC CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Saraux C, Chiaradia A. Age‐related breeding success in little penguins: a result of selection and ontogenetic changes in foraging and phenology. ECOL MONOGR 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Saraux
- DEPE UMR7178 IPHC CNRS‐Université de Strasbourg 23 rue du Loess 67037 Strasbourg France
| | - Andre Chiaradia
- Conservation Department Phillip Island Nature Parks PO Box 97 Cowes Victoria 3922 Australia
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Holland B, Bell PR, Fanti F, Hamilton SM, Larson DW, Sissons R, Sullivan C, Vavrek MJ, Wang Y, Campione NE. Taphonomy and taxonomy of a juvenile lambeosaurine (Ornithischia: Hadrosauridae) bonebed from the late Campanian Wapiti Formation of northwestern Alberta, Canada. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11290. [PMID: 33987001 PMCID: PMC8103918 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hadrosaurid (duck-billed) dinosaur bonebeds are exceedingly prevalent in upper Cretaceous (Campanian–Maastrichtian) strata from the Midwest of North America (especially Alberta, Canada, and Montana, U.S.A) but are less frequently documented from more northern regions. The Wapiti Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian) of northwestern Alberta is a largely untapped resource of terrestrial palaeontological information missing from southern Alberta due to the deposition of the marine Bearpaw Formation. In 2018, the Boreal Alberta Dinosaur Project rediscovered the Spring Creek Bonebed, which had been lost since 2002, along the northern bank of the Wapiti River, southwest of Grande Prairie. Earlier excavations and observations of the Spring Creek Bonebed suggested that the site yielded young hadrosaurines. Continued work in 2018 and 2019 recovered ~300 specimens that included a minimum of eight individuals, based on the number of right humeri. The morphology of several recovered cranial elements unequivocally supports lambeosaurine affinities, making the Spring Creek sample the first documented occurrence of lambeosaurines in the Wapiti Formation. The overall size range and histology of the bones found at the site indicate that these animals were uniformly late juveniles, suggesting that age segregation was a life history strategy among hadrosaurids. Given the considerable size attained by the Spring Creek lambeosaurines, they were probably segregated from the breeding population during nesting or caring for young, rather than due to different diet and locomotory requirements. Dynamic aspects of life history, such as age segregation, may well have contributed to the highly diverse and cosmopolitan nature of Late Cretaceous hadrosaurids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayden Holland
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phil R Bell
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Federico Fanti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha M Hamilton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Derek W Larson
- Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, Wembley, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robin Sissons
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Corwin Sullivan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, Wembley, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew J Vavrek
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanyin Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicolás E Campione
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Ramírez F, Chiaradia A, O'Leary DA, Reina RD. Making the most of the old age: Autumn breeding as an extra reproductive investment in older seabirds. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5393-5401. [PMID: 34026015 PMCID: PMC8131812 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The extrinsic and intrinsic factors affecting differing reproductive strategies among populations are central to understanding population and evolutionary ecology. To evaluate whether individual reproductive strategies responded to annual patterns in marine productivity and age-related processes in a seabird we used a long term (2003-2013), a continuous dataset on nest occupancy and attendance at the colony by little penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Phillip Island (Victoria, Australia). We found that concurrent with a secondary annual peak of marine productivity, a secondary peak in colony attendance and nest occupancy was observed in Autumn (out of the regular breeding season in spring/summer) with individuals showing mating-like behavior. Individuals attending this autumn peak averaged 2.5 years older than those individuals that exclusively bred during spring/summer. Rather than being a naïve response by younger and inexperienced birds misreading environmental cues, our data indicate that the autumn peak attendance is an earlier attempt to breed by older and more experienced penguins. Therefore, we provide strong support for the fundamental prediction of the life-history theory of increasing investment in reproduction with age to maximize lifetime fitness as future survival prospects diminish and experience increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ramírez
- Department of Renewable Marine ResourcesInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM‐CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Andre Chiaradia
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- Conservation DepartmentPhillip Island Nature ParksCowesVICAustralia
| | | | - Richard D. Reina
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
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8
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Ausems ANMA, Skrzypek G, Wojczulanis-Jakubas K, Jakubas D. Sharing menus and kids' specials: Inter- and intraspecific differences in stable isotope niches between sympatrically breeding storm-petrels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 728:138768. [PMID: 32339838 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Species sharing resources are predicted to compete, but co-occurring species can avoid competition through niche partitioning. Here, we investigated the inter- and intra-specific differences using stable isotope analyses in the black-bellied storm-petrel (Fregetta tropica) and the Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus), breeding sympatrically in maritime Antarctica. We analysed stable carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in samples representing different life stages; chick down (pre-laying females), chick feather (chick), and adult blood (chick-rearing adults). Pre-laying females had wider stable isotope niches than chicks or chick-rearing adults, due to pre-laying females being free roaming while chick-rearing adults were central-place-foragers. Chicks were fed at a higher trophic level than the adults (higher δ15N), likely to compensate for the high nutritional demands of the growing chicks. Wilson's storm-petrels showed substantial overlap in stable isotope niches between all life stages, while the black-bellied storm-petrel chicks showed very little overlap. Wilson's storm-petrel niches significantly overlapped with those of pre-laying and chick-rearing black-bellied storm-petrels, suggesting negligible niche partitioning. Chick growth rate was negatively correlated with chick δ15N values, suggesting nutritional stress resulting in the use endogenous instead of dietary amino acids in protein synthesis. The higher trophic level of the relatively larger black-bellied storm-petrel chicks may be due to their longer stay in the nest, and relatively larger body mass gain, despite chick growth rates being similar to the smaller Wilson's storm-petrel chicks. Despite breeding sympatrically, the studied storm-petrel species showed considerable overlap in isotopic niches, which may be explained by sharing the same main prey species, reducing the detectability of foraging niche partitioning through stable isotope analyses. We found dietary shifts in black-bellied storm-petrels that are absent in Wilson's, showing different chick provisioning strategies, and shows that the high productivity of the Antarctic marine ecosystem may facilitate foraging niche overlap of sympatrically living species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne N M A Ausems
- The University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, ul. Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Skrzypek
- The University of Western Australia, School of Biological Sciences, West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Wojczulanis-Jakubas
- The University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, ul. Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jakubas
- The University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, ul. Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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Cavallo C, Chiaradia A, Deagle BE, Hays GC, Jarman S, McInnes JC, Ropert‐Coudert Y, Sánchez S, Reina RD. Quantifying prey availability using the foraging plasticity of a marine predator, the little penguin. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Cavallo
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - André Chiaradia
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
- Conservation Department Phillip Island Nature Parks Cowes VIC Australia
| | - Bruce E. Deagle
- Australian Antarctic Division Kingston TAS Australia
- CSIRO National Research Collections‐Australian National Fish Collection Hobart TAS Australia
| | - Graeme C. Hays
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong VIC Australia
| | - Simon Jarman
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - Julie C. McInnes
- Australian Antarctic Division Kingston TAS Australia
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania Hobart TAS Australia
| | - Yan Ropert‐Coudert
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé UMR7372 CNRSLa Rochelle Université Villiers‐en‐Bois France
| | - Sonia Sánchez
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Richard D. Reina
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
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10
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Meyer X, MacIntosh AJJ, Chiaradia A, Kato A, Ramírez F, Sueur C, Ropert‐Coudert Y. Oceanic thermal structure mediates dive sequences in a foraging seabird. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6610-6622. [PMID: 32724536 PMCID: PMC7381582 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in marine ecosystems are easier to detect in upper-level predators, like seabirds, which integrate trophic interactions throughout the food web.Here, we examined whether diving parameters and complexity in the temporal organization of diving behavior of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) are influenced by sea surface temperature (SST), water stratification, and wind speed-three oceanographic features influencing prey abundance and distribution in the water column.Using fractal time series analysis, we found that foraging complexity, expressed as the degree of long-range correlations or memory in the dive series, was associated with SST and water stratification throughout the breeding season, but not with wind speed. Little penguins foraging in warmer/more-stratified waters exhibited greater determinism (memory) in foraging sequences, likely as a response to prey aggregations near the thermocline. They also showed higher foraging efficiency, performed more dives and dove to shallower depths than those foraging in colder/less-stratified waters.Reductions in the long-term memory of dive sequences, or in other words increases in behavioral stochasticity, may suggest different strategies concerning the exploration-exploitation trade-off under contrasting environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Meyer
- CNRSIPHC UMR7178Université de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
- Kyoto University Primate Research InstituteInuyamaJapan
| | | | - Andre Chiaradia
- Conservation DepartmentPhillip Island Nature ParksCowesVicAustralia
| | - Akiko Kato
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de ChizéCNRS UMR 7372Université de La RochelleVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
| | - Francisco Ramírez
- Departament de Biologia EvolutivaEcologia i Ciènces AmbientalsUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Cédric Sueur
- CNRSIPHC UMR7178Université de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Yan Ropert‐Coudert
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de ChizéCNRS UMR 7372Université de La RochelleVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
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11
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Machovsky-Capuska GE, Andrades R, Santos RG. Debris ingestion and nutritional niches in estuarine and reef green turtles. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110943. [PMID: 32056851 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Little attention has been drawn toward the effects of marine debris ingestion in relation to nutrient acquisition and fitness consequences. We tested whether anthropogenic debris ingestion influence the nutritional niches of endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in estuarine and reef habitats on the Brazilian coast. Our results showed that estuarine turtles consumed diets with lower proportional wet mass composition of protein (P) and water (W) than their reef conspecifics. The amounts of debris, mostly plastics, retrieved from the digestive tracts of estuarine turtles were higher compared with those individuals from reefs. The realized nutritional niche from estuarine turtles was subject to the debris density in the environment, lack of benthic food resources available and the surface foraging behavior, likely preventing them from reaching their nutritional goals and resulting in lower fitness. The study provides critical information for the management and conservation of ecologically threatened individuals, populations, and their natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Andrades
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, 29075-910 Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Robson Guimarães Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Av. Lourival Melo Mota, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 57072-900 Maceió, AL, Brazil
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12
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Hirakawa T, Yamashita T, Tamaki T, Fujiyoshi H, Umezu Y, Takeuchi I, Matsumoto S, Yoda K. Can AI predict animal movements? Filling gaps in animal trajectories using inverse reinforcement learning. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Hirakawa
- Department of Computer Science; Chubu University; 1200 Matsumoto Kasugai Aichi 487-0027 Japan
| | - Takayoshi Yamashita
- Department of Computer Science; Chubu University; 1200 Matsumoto Kasugai Aichi 487-0027 Japan
| | - Toru Tamaki
- Graduate School of Engineering; Hiroshima University; 1-4-1 Kagamiyama Higashi Hiroshima Hiroshima 739-8527 Japan
| | - Hironobu Fujiyoshi
- Department of Computer Science; Chubu University; 1200 Matsumoto Kasugai Aichi 487-0027 Japan
| | - Yuta Umezu
- Department of Computer Science; Nagoya Institute of Technology; Gokiso-cho Showa-ku Nagoya 466-8555 Japan
| | - Ichiro Takeuchi
- Department of Computer Science; Nagoya Institute of Technology; Gokiso-cho Showa-ku Nagoya 466-8555 Japan
- RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project; 1-4-1 Nihonbashi Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-0027 Japan
- Center for Materials Research by Information Integration; National Institute for Materials Science; 1-2-1 Sengen Tsukuba 305-0047 Japan
| | - Sakiko Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies; Nagoya University; Furo Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Ken Yoda
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies; Nagoya University; Furo Chikusa Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
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Machovsky-Capuska GE, Miller MGR, Silva FRO, Amiot C, Stockin KA, Senior AM, Schuckard R, Melville D, Raubenheimer D. The nutritional nexus: Linking niche, habitat variability and prey composition in a generalist marine predator. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:1286-1298. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E. Machovsky-Capuska
- Charles Perkins Centre; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Mark G. R. Miller
- College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science; James Cook University; Cairns QLD Australia
| | - Fabiola R. O. Silva
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Christophe Amiot
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Massey University; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Massey University; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Alistair M. Senior
- Charles Perkins Centre; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Rob Schuckard
- Ornithological Society of New Zealand; Nelson New Zealand
| | - David Melville
- Ornithological Society of New Zealand; Nelson New Zealand
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
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14
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Clay TA, Pearmain EJ, McGill RAR, Manica A, Phillips RA. Age‐related variation in non‐breeding foraging behaviour and carry‐over effects on fitness in an extremely long‐lived bird. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Clay
- British Antarctic SurveyNatural Environment Research Council Cambridge UK
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | | | - Rona A. R. McGill
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry FacilityScottish Universities Environmental Research Centre East Kilbride UK
| | - Andrea Manica
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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15
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Rodríguez A, Holmberg R, Dann P, Chiaradia A. Penguin colony attendance under artificial lights for ecotourism. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:457-464. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Airam Rodríguez
- Research Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; Cowes Victoria Australia
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Estación Biológica de Doñana; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Seville Spain
| | - Ross Holmberg
- Research Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; Cowes Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; Cowes Victoria Australia
| | - André Chiaradia
- Research Department; Phillip Island Nature Parks; Cowes Victoria Australia
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16
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Crawford R, Ellenberg U, Frere E, Hagen C, Baird K, Brewin P, Crofts S, Glass J, Mattern T, Pompert J, Ross K, Kemper J, Ludynia K, Sherley RB, Steinfurth A, Suazo CG, Yorio P, Tamini L, Mangel JC, Bugoni L, Jiménez Uzcátegui G, Simeone A, Luna-Jorquera G, Gandini P, Woehler EJ, Pütz K, Dann P, Chiaradia A, Small C. Tangled and drowned: a global review of penguin bycatch in fisheries. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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17
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Chilvers BL. Comparison of New Zealand’s little blue penguins, Eudyptula minor, diving behaviour. Polar Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-017-2112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Poupart TA, Waugh SM, Bost C, Bost CA, Dennis T, Lane R, Rogers K, Sugishita J, Taylor GA, Wilson KJ, Zhang J, Arnould JPY. Variability in the foraging range of Eudyptula minor across breeding sites in central New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2017.1302970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Timothée A. Poupart
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Susan M. Waugh
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Caroline Bost
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Charles-Andre Bost
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre d’Etudes Biologique de Chizé, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Todd Dennis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Reuben Lane
- West Coast Penguin Trust, Hokitika, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Jingjing Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John P. Y. Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
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19
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Rodríguez A, Chiaradia A, Wasiak P, Renwick L, Dann P. Waddling on the Dark Side: Ambient Light Affects Attendance Behavior of Little Penguins. J Biol Rhythms 2016; 31:194-204. [PMID: 26823445 DOI: 10.1177/0748730415626010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Visible light on Earth largely comes from the sun, including light reflected from the moon. Predation risk is strongly determined by light conditions, and some animals are nocturnal to reduce predation. Artificial lights and its consequent light pollution may disrupt this natural behavior. Here, we used 13 years of attendance data to study the effects of sun, moon, and artificial light on the attendance pattern of a nocturnal seabird, the little penguin Eudyptula minor at Phillip Island, Australia. The little penguin is the smallest and the only penguin species whose activity on land is strictly nocturnal. Automated monitoring systems recorded individually marked penguins every time they arrived (after sunset) at or departed (before sunrise) from 2 colonies under different lighting conditions: natural night skylight and artificial lights (around 3 lux) used to enhance penguin viewing for ecotourism around sunset. Sunlight had a strong effect on attendance as penguins arrived on average around 81 min after sunset and departed around 92 min before sunrise. The effect of moonlight was also strong, varying according to moon phase. Fewer penguins came ashore during full moon nights. Moon phase effect was stronger on departure than arrival times. Thus, during nights between full moon and last quarter, arrival times (after sunset) were delayed, even though moonlight levels were low, while departure times (before sunrise) were earlier, coinciding with high moonlight levels. Cyclic patterns of moon effect were slightly out of phase but significantly between 2 colonies, which could be due to site-specific differences or presence/absence of artificial lights. Moonlight could be overridden by artificial light at our artificially lit colony, but the similar amplitude of attendance patterns between colonies suggests that artificial light did not mask the moonlight effect. Further research is indeed necessary to understand how seabirds respond to the increasing artificial night light levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airam Rodríguez
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Seville, Spain
| | - André Chiaradia
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paula Wasiak
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leanne Renwick
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Carroll G, Turner E, Dann P, Harcourt R. Prior exposure to capture heightens the corticosterone and behavioural responses of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) to acute stress. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cov061. [PMID: 27293742 PMCID: PMC4732403 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Studies of physiology can provide important insight into how animals are coping with challenges in their environment and can signal the potential effects of exposure to human activity in both the short and long term. In this study, we measured the physiological and behavioural response of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) that were naïve to human activity over 30 min of capture and handling. We assessed relationships between corticosterone secretion, behaviour, sex and time of day in order to characterize the determinants of the natural stress response. We then compared the response of these naïve penguins with the responses of female little penguins that had been exposed to research activity (bimonthly nest check and weighing) and to both research activity (monthly nest check and weighing) and evening viewing by tourists. We found that corticosterone concentrations increased significantly over 30 min of capture, with naïve penguins demonstrating a more acute stress response during the day than at night. Penguins that had previously been exposed to handling at the research and research/visitor sites showed elevated corticosterone concentrations and consistently more aggressive behaviour after 30 min compared with naïve birds, although there were no significant differences in baseline corticosterone concentrations. Our findings demonstrate that these little penguins have not habituated to routine capture, but rather mount a heightened physiological and behavioural response to handling by humans. Less invasive research monitoring techniques, such as individual identification with PIT tags and automatic recording and weighing, and a reduction in handling during the day should be considered to mitigate some of the potentially negative effects of disturbance. Given the paucity of data on the long-term consequences of heightened stress on animal physiology, our study highlights the need for further investigation of the relationship between the corticosterone stress response and fitness outcomes, such as breeding success and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Emma Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, Phillip Island, VIC 3922, Australia
| | - Rob Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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21
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Chiaradia A, Ramírez F, Forero MG, Hobson KA. Stable Isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) Combined with Conventional Dietary Approaches Reveal Plasticity in Central-Place Foraging Behavior of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Le Vaillant M, Ropert-Coudert Y, Le Maho Y, Le Bohec C. Individual parameters shape foraging activity in breeding king penguins. Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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23
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Lower foraging efficiency in immatures drives spatial segregation with breeding adults in a long-lived pelagic seabird. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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24
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Widmann M, Kato A, Raymond B, Angelier F, Arthur B, Chastel O, Pellé M, Raclot T, Ropert-Coudert Y. Habitat use and sex-specific foraging behaviour of Adélie penguins throughout the breeding season in Adélie Land, East Antarctica. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2015; 3:30. [PMID: 26392864 PMCID: PMC4576371 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-015-0052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marine predators are ecosystem sentinels because their foraging behaviour and reproductive success reflect the variability occurring in the lower trophic levels of the ecosystem. In an era of environmental change, monitoring top predators species can provide valuable insights into the zones of ecological importance that need to be protected. In this context, we monitored the Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) as a bio-indicator near Dumont d'Urville, an area of the East Antarctic sector currently being considered for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), using GPS-based tracking tags during the 2012/13 austral summer breeding season. RESULTS The habitat use and foraging areas of the penguins differed by breeding stage and sex and were strongly associated with patterns in bathymetry and sea-ice distribution. The first trips, undertaken during the incubation phase, were longer than those during the guard phase and were associated with the northern limit of the sea-ice extent. During the guard phase, birds strongly depended on access to a polynya, a key feature in Antarctic marine ecosystem, in the vicinity of the colony. The opening of the ice-free area was synchronous with the hatching of chicks. Moreover, a sex-specific use of foraging habitat observed only after hatching suggests sex-specific differences in the diet in response to intra-specific competition. CONCLUSIONS Sea-ice features that could be affected by the climate change were important factors for the use of foraging habitat by the Adélie penguins. The extent of the foraging area observed in this study is congruent with the area of the proposed MPA. However, both penguin behavior and their environment should be monitored carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Widmann
- />Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46 allée d’Italie, 96364, Lyon, Cedex 07 France
- />CNRS, UMR7178, 67037 Strasbourg, France
| | - Akiko Kato
- />CNRS, UMR7178, 67037 Strasbourg, France
- />Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
- />Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UPR 1934, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Ben Raymond
- />Australian Antarctic Division, Department of the Environment, Australian Government, Channel Highway, Kingston, 7050 Australia
- />Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001 Australia
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- />Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UPR 1934, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Benjamin Arthur
- />Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001 Australia
| | - Olivier Chastel
- />Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UPR 1934, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - Thierry Raclot
- />CNRS, UMR7178, 67037 Strasbourg, France
- />Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yan Ropert-Coudert
- />CNRS, UMR7178, 67037 Strasbourg, France
- />Université de Strasbourg, IPHC, 23 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
- />Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS UPR 1934, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
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25
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Environmental variability drives shifts in the foraging behaviour and reproductive success of an inshore seabird. Oecologia 2015; 178:967-79. [PMID: 25894092 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3294-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Marine animals forage in areas that aggregate prey to maximize their energy intake. However, these foraging 'hot spots' experience environmental variability, which can substantially alter prey availability. To survive and reproduce animals need to modify their foraging in response to these prey shifts. By monitoring their inter-annual foraging behaviours, we can understand which environmental variables affect their foraging efficiency, and can assess how they respond to environmental variability. Here, we monitored the foraging behaviour and isotopic niche of little penguins (Eudyptula minor), over 3 years (2008, 2011, and 2012) of climatic and prey variability within Port Phillip Bay, Australia. During drought (2008), penguins foraged in close proximity to the Yarra River outlet on a predominantly anchovy-based diet. In periods of heavy rainfall, when water depth in the largest tributary into the bay (Yarra River) was high, the total distance travelled, maximum distance travelled, distance to core-range, and size of core- and home-ranges of penguins increased significantly. This larger foraging range was associated with broad dietary diversity and high reproductive success. These results suggest the increased foraging range and dietary diversity of penguins were a means to maximize resource acquisition rather than a strategy to overcome local depletions in prey. Our results demonstrate the significance of the Yarra River in structuring predator-prey interactions in this enclosed bay, as well as the flexible foraging strategies of penguins in response to environmental variability. This plasticity is central to the survival of this small-ranging, resident seabird species.
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26
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Young RC, Kitaysky AS, Barger CP, Dorresteijn I, Ito M, Watanuki Y. Telomere length is a strong predictor of foraging behavior in a long-lived seabird. Ecosphere 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/es14-00345.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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27
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Salton M, Saraux C, Dann P, Chiaradia A. Carry-over body mass effect from winter to breeding in a resident seabird, the little penguin. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015. [PMID: 26064587 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Using body mass and breeding data of individual penguins collected continuously over 7 years (2002-2008), we examined carry-over effects of winter body mass on timing of laying and breeding success in a resident seabird, the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). The austral winter month of July consistently had the lowest rate of colony attendance, which confirmed our expectation that penguins work hard to find resources at this time between breeding seasons. Contrary to our expectation, body mass in winter (July) was equal or higher than in the period before ('moult-recovery') and after ('pre-breeding') in 5 of 7 years for males and in all 7 years for females. We provided evidence of a carry-over effect of body mass from winter to breeding; females and males with higher body mass in winter were more likely to breed early and males with higher body mass in winter were likely to breed successfully. Sex differences might relate to sex-specific breeding tasks, where females may use their winter reserves to invest in egg-laying, whereas males use their winter reserves to sustain the longer fasts ashore during courtship. Our findings suggest that resident seabirds like little penguins can also benefit from a carry-over effect of winter body mass on subsequent breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Salton
- Research Department , Phillip Island Nature Parks , PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
| | - Claire Saraux
- Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR7178 CNRS , 23 Rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France ; IFREMER, UMR 212 Exploited Marine Ecosystems , Avenue Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète Cedex, France
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department , Phillip Island Nature Parks , PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
| | - André Chiaradia
- Research Department , Phillip Island Nature Parks , PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
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28
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Salton M, Saraux C, Dann P, Chiaradia A. Carry-over body mass effect from winter to breeding in a resident seabird, the little penguin. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:140390. [PMID: 26064587 PMCID: PMC4448785 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Using body mass and breeding data of individual penguins collected continuously over 7 years (2002-2008), we examined carry-over effects of winter body mass on timing of laying and breeding success in a resident seabird, the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). The austral winter month of July consistently had the lowest rate of colony attendance, which confirmed our expectation that penguins work hard to find resources at this time between breeding seasons. Contrary to our expectation, body mass in winter (July) was equal or higher than in the period before ('moult-recovery') and after ('pre-breeding') in 5 of 7 years for males and in all 7 years for females. We provided evidence of a carry-over effect of body mass from winter to breeding; females and males with higher body mass in winter were more likely to breed early and males with higher body mass in winter were likely to breed successfully. Sex differences might relate to sex-specific breeding tasks, where females may use their winter reserves to invest in egg-laying, whereas males use their winter reserves to sustain the longer fasts ashore during courtship. Our findings suggest that resident seabirds like little penguins can also benefit from a carry-over effect of winter body mass on subsequent breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Salton
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
| | - Claire Saraux
- Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien UMR7178 CNRS, 23 Rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
- IFREMER, UMR 212 Exploited Marine Ecosystems, Avenue Jean Monnet, BP 171, 34203 Sète Cedex, France
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
| | - André Chiaradia
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
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