Nest maintenance and stone theft in the Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) - 2. Effects of breeding group size

摘要: The intensity of stone collection and theft by breeding Chinstrap penguins was measured, estimations made the number stones per nest in large (> 400 nests) small subcolonies (< 50 Vapour Col colony on Deception Island, South Shetland Islands. Stone availability significantly higher both inside outside subcolonies. Penguins carried to at same rate subcolonies, but stole more intensively Stones obtained were larger than those collected elsewhere. When increased experimentally, individuals control less as much greater pressure accompanied aggressive defence owners reduced success stealing. However, ground near led a lower These results are interpreted light geometric effects group size (perimeter surface ratio) accessibility.