Winter migration of magellanic penguins ( Spheniscus magellanicus ) from the southernmost distributional range

摘要: A total of 22 magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from Isla Martillo in the Beagle Channel, Argentina, were successfully satellite tracked 2004 (n = 7), 2005 (n = 7) and 2006 (n = 8) to monitor their winter migration after moult. Only one penguin migrated northwards into Pacific Ocean, whereas all others remained Atlantic Ocean. In general, these birds left island an easterly direction, rounded Cabo San Diego, southeasterly tip South America, continued occupying inshore waters mostly less than 50 km coast, only occasionally venturing further offshore. By end transmission period, still travelling most northerly positions obtained located area Peninsula Valdes, at a latitude around 42°S, some 1,500 km breeding site on Martillo. The mean maximum distance was, however, 624 ± 460 km. minimum covered during study period was 1,440 ± 685 km, which corresponded 23.2 ± 6.6 km per day. northbound could be separated periods rapid movement, interspersed with for time particular coastal regions. Areas high density daily observed three distinct areas: northeastern coast Tierra del Fuego, southern entrance Golfo Jorge northeast Valdez. pattern is presumably driven by formation subsequent dispersal areas enhanced productivity as season progressed. Our findings also suggest that are increasingly threatened human activities migrate northwards.