WHERE?S THE BEST SUPERMARKET DEAL? FEMALE SOUTHERN ROCKHOPPER PENGUINS SHOW VARIABLE FORAGING AREAS DURING THE GUARD STAGE AT ISLA DE LOS ESTADOS, ARGENTINA

ROSCIANO, NATALIA G; PÜTZ, KLEMENS; POLITO, MICHAEL J; ANDREA RAYA REY

CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

NATL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA-N R C RESEARCH PRESS

Lugar: Otawa; Año: 2021 vol. 100 p. 46 - 55

0008-4301

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; SRP) 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-TD data loggers) and diet (δ15Ncomposition on blood samples) characteristics. Foraging trips differed in duration, location, and dive depths explored. Females in clusters 1 and 3 travelled longer distances, in opposite directions (36.3 ± 21.3 km 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. Sprattus fuegensis) consumption in the northern foraging areas (cluster 1). The variability observed in the spatial distribution suggests flexibility in the foraging behaviour of SRP and availability of adequate foraging areas within the colony range during the early chick-rearing period, both important features for SRP population. These results contribute to understanding the use of the Southern Ocean by marine meso- and top-predators and to the marine spatial planning in the area.