Project Narrative and Outcomes
PenguinEra proposes to integrate the population monitoring programs of the Adélie penguin with the measurement of a series of genetic and physiological parameters with the aim to: identify a series of proxy of penguin’s health using non-destructive tissue sampling (feathers, blood); integrate proxies with the bio-ecological responses and the genetic parameters, to establish a baseline against which signals as a consequence of ecosystem change can be detected. The coastal area near Terra Nova Bay is of special scientific interest because of its extraordinary biodiversity, and includes several important bird areas. PenguinERA expected results will improve our current knowledge of the ecological role of mesopredators through studying their distribution and behavior in relation to the habitat quality, colony size, evolution and adaptation thus to the scaling of ecological processes and climate projections.
Genetic and physiological information on Adélie Penguins at the CEMP site of Edmonson Point.
2017-18 CEMP site of Edmonson Point: Mark and recapture; A3 and A6 Breeding Population Size and Breeding success; summer and winter foraging areas by using satellite transmitters and GLS data logger; phenology data has been collected remotely also by an APMS and time lapse images Penguin Nest Camera (in collaboration with AAD, Drs. Emmerson and Southwell). Survey in the whole study area to: identifying any banded bird in the three Adèlie penguin colonies (in collaboration with NSF USAP Drs. Ainely and Ballard); evaluating breeding success and phenology by comparing discrete subgroup of Adélie penguins among the three colonies; extending part of the CEMP monitoring to Adélie Cove where 3 satellite transmitters were applied to breeding adults; sampling of 150 birds in the three colonies to validate bio-ecological responses/genetic parameters, achieved through non-destructive samples, as proxies for the Adelie’s health; mapping by GPS of skua and other seabirds' nests occurrence. In 18-19 summer season GLS will be possibly recovered and data collection and survey in the whole study area will be repeated according to CEMP Standard methods and to protocols approved by SCAR code of conduct (SCAR’s Code of Conduct for the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes in Antarctica, 2011) and under permission from PNRA for working in an ASPA.
Baseline data: Genetic and physiological data on Adélie penguins at Terra Nova Bay. Hypothesis: Adélie penguins are important bioindicators of environmental changes. Improve our understanding on the ecological role of the Adélie penguins as mesopredators will contribute to elucidate the conservation value of the MPA in the Ross Sea region.
CEMP data
CEMP data - contact CCAMLR Secretariat at data@ccamlr.org
Primary Project Details
dane.cavanagh@ccamlr.org
Representing:
- Terra Nova Bay
- Wood Bay