Contrasting foraging strategies in Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins breeding in sympatry in the Beagle Channel: niche segregation beyond competition

RAYA REY, ANDREA; HARRIS, SABRINA ; RICCIALDELLI, LUCIANA; SCIOSCIA, GABRIELA; RICARDO A. SAENZ SAMANIEGO; PÜTZ, KLEMENS

Cape Town

Congreso; 9th International Penguin Congress; 2016

Martillo Island, two sympatric penguin spp the Gentoo Pygoscelis papua and the Magellanic Spheniscus magellanicus with 30 and 5,000breeding pairsAim: InvestigateAim: Investigate the foraging behaviour of both species and determine if niche segregation mechanisms exist in these two closely related species.Methods: Chick rearing period end of December 2015, chicks 10 days for gentoo and 30 for Magellanic, both correspond to early chick rearing period. GPS-Tdlog in 8 GP and 9 MP blood sample. Diving, foraging areas, stable isotope analysisIn our study site both pop growing and both in low number.Individualistic response of spp. Optimal foraging in relation with habitat. Spp allocated on the basis of their specific habitat affinities, physiological tolerances and history traits. Life history traits, behavioural and physiological characteristics are strong forces that determine the foraging behaviour of penguins