Distribution and abundance of seabird colonies in the Argentine sector of the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego

SCHIAVINI, A.; YORIO, P.

Marine Ornithology

African Seabird Group

Lugar: Ciudad del Cabo; Año: 1995 vol. 23 p. 39 - 46

1018-3337

During the breeding seasons of 1992 and 1993, we obtained information on the  distribution and abundance of breeding seabirds in the Beagle Channel,  an area currently subject to relatively  intense human activity. Seabird colonies were distributed in two main areas, separated by 50 kilometres: the islands within Bahía Ushuaia and the islands at the east end of the channel. The islands in Bahía Ushuaia supported the highest seabird diversity. We identified eight breeding species: Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus, Gentoo Penguin Pygoscelis papua,  Imperial Cormorant Phalacrocorax atriceps, Rock Cormorant  P. magellanicus, Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus, Dolphin Gull L. scoresbii,  South American Tern Sterna hirundinacea, and Chilean Skua Catharacta skua chilensis. We present information on colony location and size for each species and comment on some conservation aspects in relation to their distribution and abundance. Our results show that seabirds in the Beagle Channel present a dynamic pattern of distribution and abundance and a high interaction with human activities, mainly ecotourism.