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Dreyer S, Marcu D, Keyser S, Bennett M, Maree L, Koeppel K, Abernethy D, Petrik L. Factors in the decline of the African penguin: Are contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) a potential new age stressor? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116688. [PMID: 39029148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The African penguin is currently experiencing a significant decline, with just over 10,000 breeding pairs left. A substantial body of research reflects the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on the marine environment, with wastewater treatment plants reported as one of the main sources of CEC release. In South Africa, CECs were identified contaminating the marine environment and bioaccumulating in several marine species. Approximately 70 % of all African penguin colonies breed in close proximity to cities and/or harbors in South Africa. Currently, the impact of CECs as a stressor upon the viability of African penguin populations is unknown. Based on the search results there was a clear lack of information on CECs' bioaccumulation and impact on the African penguin. This narrative review will thus focus on the prevalent sources and types of CECs and examine the reported consequences of constant exposure in seabirds, particularly African penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dreyer
- Animal Production Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa.
| | - Daniel Marcu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Shannen Keyser
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Monique Bennett
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Katja Koeppel
- Animal Production Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Darrell Abernethy
- Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion SY23 3FL, United Kingdom
| | - Leslie Petrik
- Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Lewden A, Halna du Fretay T, Stier A. Changes in body surface temperature reveal the thermal challenge associated with catastrophic moult in captive gentoo penguins. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247332. [PMID: 38826104 PMCID: PMC11213523 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Once a year, penguins undergo a catastrophic moult, replacing their entire plumage during a fasting period on land or on sea-ice during which time individuals can lose 45% of their body mass. In penguins, new feather synthesis precedes the loss of old feathers, leading to an accumulation of two feather layers (double coat) before the old plumage is shed. We hypothesized that the combination of the high metabolism required for new feather synthesis and the potentially high thermal insulation linked to the double coat could lead to a thermal challenge requiring additional peripheral circulation to thermal windows to dissipate the extra heat. To test this hypothesis, we measured the surface temperature of different body regions of captive gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) throughout the moult under constant environmental conditions. The surface temperature of the main body trunk decreased during the initial stages of the moult, suggesting greater thermal insulation. In contrast, the periorbital region, a potential proxy of core temperature in birds, increased during these same early moulting stages. The surface temperature of the bill, flipper and foot (thermal windows) tended to initially increase during the moult, highlighting the likely need for extra heat dissipation in moulting penguins. These results raise questions regarding the thermoregulatory capacities of penguins in the wild during the challenging period of moulting on land in the current context of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Lewden
- Université de Brest - UMR 6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD/Ifremer, Laboratoire des sciences de l'environnement marin – IUEM, Rue Dumont D'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Tristan Halna du Fretay
- Université de Brest - UMR 6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD/Ifremer, Laboratoire des sciences de l'environnement marin – IUEM, Rue Dumont D'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Antoine Stier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
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Espinaze MPA, Hui C, Waller L, Matthee S. Nest-type associated microclimatic conditions as potential drivers of ectoparasite infestations in African penguin nests. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3603-3616. [PMID: 32996052 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nest design and characteristics can influence the microclimatic conditions in the nest. Nest-dwelling ectoparasites are sensitive to temperature and moisture and as such the conditions in the nest can influence parasite infestations. The endangered African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) breeds in different nest types and as yet little is known with regard to the microclimate and parasite infestation within these nests. This study characterized the microclimatic conditions in natural open, natural covered (with vegetation) and artificial nests, and assessed the relationship between nest characteristics (type, age, distance from the coast, orientation and entrance opening) and in-nest ectoparasite infestations and the health of African penguins in Stony Point, South Africa. Penguins (50 adults and 192 chicks) and their nests (n = 308) were sampled in 2016 and 2017. Soil temperature was higher in artificial than in natural nests, and soil and nest material moisture was lower in artificial and natural covered nests than natural open. Ectoparasite infestations were higher under warmer and drier conditions, in artificial nests and nests near the coastline. Penguin (adult and chick) body mass and chick body condition were lower in warmer nests and total plasma protein (in adults and checks) was lower in drier nests. Given the potential adverse effects of ectoparasites on host species, it is recommended that conservation agencies implement a monitoring programme to assess the ectoparasite infestation in artificial nests across multiple colonies. This information will facilitate a more holistic penguin conservation management plan that may prevent further detrimental effects on this endangered penguin species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela P A Espinaze
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriScience, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Cang Hui
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa.,International Initiative for Theoretical Ecology, London, UK
| | - Lauren Waller
- The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sonja Matthee
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Faculty of AgriScience, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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Stor T, Rebstock GA, García Borboroglu P, Boersma PD. Lateralization (handedness) in Magellanic penguins. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6936. [PMID: 31149402 PMCID: PMC6532617 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lateralization, or asymmetry in form and/or function, is found in many animal species. Brain lateralization is considered adaptive for an individual, and often results in “handedness,” “footedness,” or a side preference, manifest in behavior and morphology. We tested for lateralization in several behaviors in a wild population of Magellanic penguins Spheniscus magellanicus breeding at Punta Tombo, Argentina. We found no preferred foot in the population (each penguin observed once) in stepping up onto an obstacle: 53% stepped up with the right foot, 47% with the left foot (n = 300, binomial test p = 0.27). We found mixed evidence for a dominant foot when a penguin extended a foot for thermoregulation, possibly depending on the ambient temperature (each penguin observed once). Penguins extended the right foot twice as often as the left foot (n = 121, p < 0.0005) in 2 years when we concentrated our effort during the heat of the day. In a third year when we observed penguins early and late in the day, there was no preference (n = 232, p = 0.59). Penguins use their flippers for swimming, including searching for and chasing prey. We found morphological evidence of a dominant flipper in individual adults: 60.5% of sternum keels curved one direction or the other (n = 76 sterna from carcasses), and 11% of penguins had more feather wear on one flipper than the other (n = 1217). Right-flippered and left-flippered penguins were equally likely in both samples (keels: p = 0.88, feather wear: p = 0.26), indicating individual but not population lateralization. In fights, aggressive penguins used their left eyes preferentially, consistent with the right side of the brain controlling aggression. Penguins that recently fought (each penguin observed once) were twice as likely to have blood only on the right side of the face (69%) as only on the left side (31%, n = 175, p < 0.001). The proportion of penguins with blood only on the right side increased with the amount of blood. In most fights, the more aggressive penguin used its left eye and attacked the other penguin’s right side. Lateralization depended on the behavior tested and, in thermoregulation, likely on the temperature. We found no lateralization or mixed results in the population of Magellanic penguins in three individual behaviors, stepping up, swimming, and thermoregulation. We found lateralization in the population in the social behavior fighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Stor
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ornitologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ginger A Rebstock
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Pablo García Borboroglu
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.,CESIMAR, CCT-CENPAT-CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - P Dee Boersma
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
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5
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Multifunctional behaviour in a sandy shore crab enhances performance in extreme intertidal environments. Oecologia 2018; 189:79-89. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ozella L, Anfossi L, Di Nardo F, Pessani D. Effect of weather conditions and presence of visitors on adrenocortical activity in captive African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 242:49-58. [PMID: 26673870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A number of potential stressors are present in captive environments and it is critically important to identify them in order to improve health and welfare in ex situ animal populations. In this study, we investigated the adrenocortical activity of a colony of African penguins hosted in an immersive zoo in Italy, with respect to the presence of visitors and local microclimatic conditions, using the non-invasive method of assessing faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs). The penguins' exhibit is a large naturalistic outdoor enclosure, which closely reproduces the natural habitat of this species. Data collection took place from the beginning of June to the end of August 2014, during the period of maximum flow of visitors. We carried out 12 sampling periods, each involving 2 consecutive days; during the first day we counted the visitors and we registered the meteorological data, and on the second day, we collected the faecal samples, which amounted to a total of 285 faecal samples. Our results showed that the number of visitors did not influence the adrenocortical activity of the African penguins. Conversely, the local microclimatic conditions did influence the physiological stress on these birds. We found that an increase of the daily mean temperature induced a significant increase in FGM concentrations, although humidity and wind speed had a moderating effect on temperature and reduced the heat-induced stress. Moreover, we calculated two climatic indices, commonly used to assess the thermal discomfort in animals, namely the THI (Temperature-Humidity Index) and WCI (Wind Chill Index), and we detected a positive relationship between their values and the FGM levels, demonstrating that these indices could be useful indicators of weather discomfort in African penguins. Our study shows that the simulating naturalistic conditions could have significant benefits for zoo animals, such as reducing the negative effect of visitors. Nevertheless, it should be taken into account where the zoological facility is located and if the local microclimatic conditions are compatible with the hosted species, to ensure that they do not differ greatly from their natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ozella
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy.
| | - L Anfossi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - F Di Nardo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - D Pessani
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Ganendran LB, Sidhu LA, Catchpole EA, Chambers LE, Dann P. Effects of ambient air temperature, humidity and rainfall on annual survival of adult little penguins Eudyptula minor in southeastern Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:1237-1245. [PMID: 26698160 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-1119-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds are subject to the influences of local climate variables during periods of land-based activities such as breeding and, for some species, moult; particularly if they undergo a catastrophic moult (complete simultaneous moult) as do penguins. We investigated potential relationships between adult penguin survival and land-based climate variables (ambient air temperature, humidity and rainfall) using 46 years of mark-recapture data of little penguins Eudyptula minor gathered at a breeding colony on Phillip Island in southeastern Australia. Our results showed that adult penguin survival had a stronger association with land-based climate variables during the moult period, when birds were unable to go to sea for up to 3 weeks, than during the breeding period, when birds could sacrifice breeding success in favour of survival. Annual adult survival probability was positively associated with humidity during moult and negatively associated with rainfall during moult. Prolonged heat during breeding and moult had a negative association with annual adult survival. Local climate projections suggest increasing days of high temperatures, fewer days of rainfall which will result in more droughts (and by implication, lower humidity) and more extreme rainfall events. All of these predicted climate changes are expected to have a negative impact on adult penguin survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Ganendran
- School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales Canberra, PO Box 7916, Canberra, BC, 2610, Australia
| | - L A Sidhu
- School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales Canberra, PO Box 7916, Canberra, BC, 2610, Australia.
| | - E A Catchpole
- , 8 Bondfield Street, Gungahlin, ACT, 2912, Australia
| | - L E Chambers
- Bureau of Meteorology, GPO Box 1289, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - P Dann
- School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales Canberra, PO Box 7916, Canberra, BC, 2610, Australia
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, PO Box 97, Cowes, VIC, 3922, Australia
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Ozella L, Anfossi L, Di Nardo F, Pessani D. Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in captive African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 224:104-12. [PMID: 26141147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Measurement of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) has become a useful and widely-accepted method for the non-invasive evaluation of stress in vertebrates. In this study we assessed the adrenocortical activity of five captive African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) by means of FGM evaluation following a biological stressor, i.e. capture and immobilization. In addition, we detected individual differences in secretion of FGMs during a stage of the normal biological cycle of penguins, namely the breeding period, without any external or induced causes of stress. Our results showed that FGM concentrations peaked 5.5-8h after the induced stress in all birds, and significantly decreased within 30 h. As predictable, the highest peak of FGMs (6591 ng/g) was reached by the youngest penguin, which was at its first experience with the stressor. This peak was 1.8-2.7-fold higher compared to those of the other animals habituated to the stimulus. For the breeding period, our results revealed that the increase in FGMs compared to ordinary levels, and the peaks of FGMs, varied widely depending on the age and mainly on the reproductive state of the animal. The bird which showed the lowest peak (2518 ng/g) was an old male that was not in a reproductive state at the time of the study. Higher FGM increases and peaks were reached by the two birds which were brooding (male: 5552%, 96,631 ng/g; female: 1438%, 22,846 ng/g) and by the youngest bird (1582%, 39,700 ng/g). The impact of the reproductive state on FGM levels was unexpected compared to that produced by the induced stress. The EIA used in this study to measure FGM levels proved to be a reliable tool for assessing individual and biologically-relevant changes in FGM concentrations in African Penguin. Moreover, this method allowed detection of physiological stress during the breeding period, and identification of individual differences in relation to the reproductive status. The increase in FGM levels as a response to capture and immobilization suggests that the measured metabolites are appropriate indicators of adrenal activity in these birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ozella
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 1023 Turin, Italy.
| | - L Anfossi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - F Di Nardo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - D Pessani
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 1023 Turin, Italy
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Parsons NJ, Schaefer AM, van der Spuy SD, Gous TA. Establishment of baseline haematology and biochemistry parameters in wild adult African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). J S Afr Vet Assoc 2015; 86:e1-e8. [PMID: 26016391 PMCID: PMC8574100 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v86i1.1198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few publications on the clinical haematology and biochemistry of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and these are based on captive populations. Baseline haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were analysed from 108 blood samples from wild, adult African penguins. Samples were collected from the breeding range of the African penguin in South Africa and the results were compared between breeding region and sex. The haematological parameters that were measured were: haematocrit, haemoglobin, red cell count and white cell count. The biochemical parameters that were measured were: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, cholesterol, serum glucose, uric acid, bile acid, total serum protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase. All samples were serologically negative for selected avian diseases and no blood parasites were detected. No haemolysis was present in any of the analysed samples. Male African penguins were larger and heavier than females, with higher haematocrit, haemoglobin and red cell count values, but lower calcium and phosphate values. African penguins in the Eastern Cape were heavier than those in the Western Cape, with lower white cell count and globulin values and a higher albumin/globulin ratio, possibly indicating that birds are in a poorer condition in the Western Cape. Results were also compared between multiple penguin species and with African penguins in captivity. These values for healthy, wild, adult penguins can be used for future health and disease assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nola J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
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Muzaffar SB, Gubiani R, Benjamin S. Nest location influences hatching success in the Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) on Siniya Island, United Arab Emirates. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/wr14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context Nest location is an important determinant of reproductive success in many seabirds. Better understanding of breeding ecology of threatened seabirds could help in their conservation. Aims We evaluated nest location and reproductive success in the globally Vulnerable, regionally endemic, Socotra cormorants on Siniya Island, United Arab Emirates, in relation to multiple habitat factors to assess the relative influence of each. Methods We measured hatching success, as an indication of reproductive success, on 14 study plots during the 2011–12 breeding season. We measured distances from each study plot to the nearest tree, road, predation area, sandy beach and lagoon. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the extent to which these explanatory factors influenced hatching success. We used an information theoretic approach to select the best model. Key results Hatching success was significantly related to tree cover, distance from beach and distance from heavily depredated areas (AICc weight = 0.613). Nests were significantly deeper (13.14 ± 0.35 cm) in unshaded areas compared with areas shaded by trees (10.8 ± 0.31 cm) (ANOVA: F2,12 = 24.93, P < 0.001). Conclusions Thus, we conclude that shade provided by planted non-native trees is an important factor affecting nest location and hatching success. Deeper nests could aid incubation by lowering nest temperatures during peak incubation periods (August) when temperatures may exceed 48°C. Heavy predation pressure is affecting hatching success. Wind action could be preventing nesting near the sandy beach. Implications Planted non-native trees are advantageous to breeding Socotra cormorants, although planting trees is not advocated. High predation pressure from feral cats and red foxes is reducing hatching success of Socotra cormorants on the largest known colony in the United Arab Emirates. Feral cats should be eradicated whereas the red foxes could be managed as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued survival of this threatened seabird.
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Boersma PD, Rebstock GA. Climate change increases reproductive failure in Magellanic penguins. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85602. [PMID: 24489663 PMCID: PMC3906009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is causing more frequent and intense storms, and climate models predict this trend will continue, potentially affecting wildlife populations. Since 1960 the number of days with >20 mm of rain increased near Punta Tombo, Argentina. Between 1983 and 2010 we followed 3496 known-age Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) chicks at Punta Tombo to determine how weather impacted their survival. In two years, rain was the most common cause of death killing 50% and 43% of chicks. In 26 years starvation killed the most chicks. Starvation and predation were present in all years. Chicks died in storms in 13 of 28 years and in 16 of 233 storms. Storm mortality was additive; there was no relationship between the number of chicks killed in storms and the numbers that starved (P = 0.75) or that were eaten (P = 0.39). However, when more chicks died in storms, fewer chicks fledged (P = 0.05, R2 = 0.14). More chicks died when rainfall was higher and air temperature lower. Most chicks died from storms when they were 9–23 days old; the oldest chick killed in a storm was 41 days old. Storms with heavier rainfall killed older chicks as well as more chicks. Chicks up to 70 days old were killed by heat. Burrow nests mitigated storm mortality (N = 1063). The age span of chicks in the colony at any given time increased because the synchrony of egg laying decreased since 1983, lengthening the time when chicks are vulnerable to storms. Climate change that increases the frequency and intensity of storms results in more reproductive failure of Magellanic penguins, a pattern likely to apply to many species breeding in the region. Climate variability has already lowered reproductive success of Magellanic penguins and is likely undermining the resilience of many other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Dee Boersma
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: .
| | - Ginger A. Rebstock
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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13
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Seddon PJ, Van Heezik YM. Hatching asynchrony and brood reduction in the jackass penguin: an experimental study. Anim Behav 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/s0003-3472(05)80034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Stahel CD, Nicol SC. Temperature regulation in the little penguin,Eudyptula minor, in air and water. J Comp Physiol B 1982. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00688892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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