SUBCOLONY CHARACTERISTICS AND BREEDING PERFORMANCE IN THE CHINSTRAP PENGUIN PYGOSCELIS ANTARCTICA

摘要: SUMMARY.—Subcolony characteristics and breeding performance in the chinstrap penguin Pygoscelis antarctica. Aims: Subcolonies of penguins differ markedly physical success. Subcolony size is best studied subcolony characteristic has been suggested to be an important factor explaining variation reproductive Small subcolonies generally have lower success, probably because they suffer from worse environmental conditions. It likely that quality individuals also occupy smaller subcolonies, which turn affects However, results are not always consistent, other may mediate In present study, relationship investigated between (slope, isolation size) several variables indicative individual success Location: The study was performed Vapour Col colony on Deception Island (South Shetlands Archipelago, 63∞ 00’ S, 60∞ 40’ W) during austral 2002-03 season. Methods: slope, degree (number nests) 22 randomly selected were measured. Variables indicating considered 10 nests each subcolony: parental body (bill length, bill depth, flipper length), nest egg size, success: hatching date Results: Both isolated sloped occupied by male parents with shorter bills less depth respectively. Isolated showed a delayed females more laid eggs. Nest larger subcolonies. Conclusions: This indicates such as rather than just affect penguins. could indicator only if it compared within same or effect taking into account.