Effect of human disturbance on the breeding behaviour of jackass penguins Spheniscus demersus

摘要: The effects of human passage through low-density colonies breeding jackass peguins Spheniscus demersus, and approach to high-density were assessed. Passage disturbance led egg loss predation by kelp gulls Larus dominicanus invariably frightened nest prospecting penguins away from the colony after third or fourth intrusion, regardless interval between intrusions. Birds disturbed occasionally left when an observer was less than 30 m edge a colony. Adult birds reacted most slow, direct chicks staggered approach. exodus rate higher at coastal inland colonies, where no recorded. Results are discussed in relation conservation penguin. This paper constitutes part commemoration 21st anniversary establishment Percy Fitzpatrick Institute African Ornithology.