Population regulation and demography in Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at three penguin colonies on Ross Island (Cape Bird, Cape Crozier and Cape Royds)
Entry ID:
K122_2004_2005_NZ_2
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Summary
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the factors regulating population size and colony distribution of Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at three colonies on Ross Island (Cape Royds, Bird and Crozier) and when logistics allowed Beaufort Island through studying the importance of key resources (nesting space and food) and the way they are allocated by behavioural traits (philopatry, immigration and ... emigrations). A range of techniques was used to collect data. A sub-colony was fenced off and an automated weighbridge and data logger was installed at each colony. Several pairs of breeding birds were implanted with a passively interrogated transponder. When a bird steps on the weighbridge, the data logger would record direction of travel, weight and tag number, if a tag was present. These data were used to determine foraging effort (feeding trip duration and food load size). The productivity and chick condition index was measured in birds in the enclosure and those in an undisturbed colony to check for negative effects of the weighbridge. The stomach contents of Adelie penguin adults and chicks were examined for food prey species over time and between colonies. The diet quality was compared by analysing stable isotope (C and N) ratios in samples collected from dead chicks (protein rich, lipid poor tissue). GIS and satellite images were used to determine the effects of sea ice conditions on colony success (availability of food, breeding success, etc). To measure the effect of sea ice extent and availability of food on breeding success, 50 chicks/week/colony were randomly caught, weighed and flipper length measured to calculate a chick condition index as an indication of food availability during chick rearing stage. These data were comparable between years and colonies. To measure the immigration/emigration and philopatry behaviour role in colony size and distribution, chicks were banded at each colony (up to 1000 chicks/colony/season). In following seasons, searches were made for banded penguins at all colonies to estimate age specific fecundity and survival rates, age of first breeding and to measure immigration/emigration rates for each of the study colonies. The role of natal philopatry in the structure of colony formation was assessed by measuring genetic homogeneity among and within the colonies on Ross Island using mitochondrial DNA analysis. Radio telemetry, satellite tracking and time depth recorders were used to track individual penguins at sea to determine their foraging behaviour. To track post breeding migration, winter migration and over wintering feeding grounds, archival tags that determine geo-location were deployed on birds from Cape Royds and Crozier. Birds were recaptured the following season and data downloaded. 
Related URL
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Description:
Project co-ordinator homepage. Please contact Phil Lyver for more information regarding data.
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Multimedia Sample
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Description:
thumbnail of the salinity maps
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thumbnail of the salinity maps
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thumbnail of the salinity maps
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Description:
thumbnail of the salinity maps
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Geographic Coverage
(Click for Interactive Map)
Spatial coordinates
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N: 25.57
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S: 25.16
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E: -80.38
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W: -81.0
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Temporal Coverage
Start Date:
2003-12-11
Start Date:
2004-03-31
Start Date:
2004-06-02
Start Date:
2004-08-08
Start Date:
2004-10-14
Start Date:
2004-12-01
Start Date:
2005-03-10
Start Date:
2005-05-20
Start Date:
2005-07-20
Start Date:
2005-11-10
Start Date:
2006-04-06
Start Date:
2006-06-28
Access Constraints
ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: none
DISTRIBUTION LIABILITY: The maps are for informational purposes only and contain no implied accuracy of data points. The data are published a part of the MAP monitoring program in support of CERP restoration
Use Constraints
None
Data Set Progress
IN WORK
Distribution
Distribution Size:
1
Distribution Format:
ASCII
Fees:
None
Personnel
Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
954) 377-5950
Email:
jwoods at usgs.gov
Contact Address:
U.S. Geological Survey
3110 SW 9th Avenue
City:
Ft. Lauderdale
Province or State:
Florida
Postal Code:
33315
Country:
USA
Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Email:
alicia.m.aleman at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Code 610.2
City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
Publications/References
Hittle, Clinton, Patino, Eduardo; Zucker, Mark, 2004, Hydrologic Characteristics of Estuarine River Systems within Everglades National Park, USGS Fact Sheet, 2004-3129, Tallahassee, FL, U.S. Geological Survey. http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2004/3129 Rantz, S. E and others, 1982, Measurement and computation of streamflow Volume 1: measurement of stage and discharge, USGS Water Supply ... Paper, 2175, vol. 1, U.S. Geological Survey.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp2175
Sauer, Vernon B., 2002, Standards for the analysis and processing of surface-water data and information using electronic methods, USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report, 01-4044, U.S. Geological Survey.
http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/wri/wri014044
Wagner, R. J., Boulger, Jr, R. W.; Oblinger, C. J.; Smith, B. A., 2006, Guidelines and standard procedures for continuous water-quality monitors: station operation, record computation, and data reporting, USGS Techniques and Methods, 1-D3, U.S. Geological Survey, supersedes Water-Investigations Report 00-4252.
http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/tm/tm1D3
Oberg, K. A., Morlock, S. E.; Caldwell, W. S., 2005, Quality-assurance plan for discharge measurements using acoustic Doppler current profilers, USGS Scientific Investigations Report, 2005-5183, U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U. S. Amy Corps of Engineers, Detroit District.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5183
Simpson, M. R., 2002, Discharge measurements using a broad-band acoustic Doppler current profiler, USGS Open-File Report, 01-01, Sacramento, CA, U.S. Geological Survey.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2001/ofr0101
Ruhl, C. A., Simpson, M. R., 2005, Computation of discharge using the index-velocity method in tidally affected areas, USGS Scientific Investigations Report, 2005-5004, Sacramento, CA, U.S. Geological Survey, Prepared in cooperation with the Interagency Ecological Program.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5004
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2007-09-21
Last DIF Revision Date:
2009-06-02
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