Sexual segregation in rockhopper penguins during incubation

摘要: Many animals show sex differences in foraging behaviour, which can be related to sex-specific size dimorphism, avoidance of intersexual competition for depletable resources or different energetic requirements males and females. In southern rockhopper penguins, Eudyptes chrysocome, both sexes differ their roles during breeding, leads requirements. We therefore examined the behaviour penguins incubation period, using GPS time–depth data, stable isotope analysis an automated weighbridge system. While carried out mostly long trips lasting several days, females often used coastal areas on day trips. Stable data suggested prey composition between sexes, with consistently higher trophic levels as expected larger ability catch items. applied ecological niche models compare environmental conditions utilized season habitat MaxEnt modelling. that spaces are largely overlapping, but have slightly width. The most important parameter was sea surface temperature. birds' chick-provisioning pattern seem driving force behind observed spatial segregation. Males make use highly productive prepare subsequent fasting periods whereas forage waters themselves well chicks guard stage.