The use of otoliths as indicators of Little Penguin Eudyptula minor diet

摘要: The validity of using otoliths from stomach contents quantitatively to determine the number and size fish consumed was tested on Little Penguins. They were fed different meal sizes known recovered after various time intervals. There no differences in estimates original when calculated otolith length or weight. Rate digestion tended decrease with increased but ingestion. Digestion proceeds rapidly and, if ignored, numbers can be significantly underestimated. This problem partially solved by inspection condition restricting calculations unaffected digestion. Many factors introduce variations into rate degradation further species-specific studies are required before appropriate correction applied.