How animals distribute themselves in space: variable energy landscapes

摘要: Foraging efficiency determines whether animals will be able to raise healthy broods, maintain their own condition, avoid predators and ultimately increase fitness. Using accelerometers GPS loggers, features of the habitat way deal with variable conditions can translated into energetic costs movement, which, in turn, energy landscapes.We investigated landscapes Gentoo Penguins Pygoscelis papua from two colonies at New Island, Falkland/Malvinas Islands. In our study, marine areas used by penguins, parameters dive depth proportion pelagic benthic dives varied both between years colonies. As a consequence, also years, we discuss how this was related differences food availability, which were reflected carbon nitrogen stable isotope values isotopic niche metrics. second year, landscape characterized lower foraging per gain, breeding success higher year. Additionally, an area around three South American Fur Seal Arctocephalus australis never used. These results confirm that vary time seabirds forage result minimized costs. Thus, support view fear predation as mechanisms underlying animal behaviour. Furthermore, show are useful linking gain success.