Breeding phenology of Wandering Albatrosses at Marion Island remarkably constant over three years

Genevieve Jones (FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal Polar Biology on breeding of Wandering Albatrosses Diomedea exulans at South Africa’s Marion Island

The paper’s abstract’s follows:

“South Africa’s Prince Edward Islands support a large proportion (44 %) of the global Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans breeding population, yet most breeding phenology data are recorded from smaller and geographically distant populations. Timing of breeding at Marion Island was remarkably constant across three successive years (2007–2009), providing a good baseline against which future changes can be assessed. Male (but not female) early arrival and presence at the colony during the pre-laying period was positively related to breeding success.  Earlier hatching chicks were more likely to survive, but timing of egg laying and incubation periods did not influence fledging success. Although there was considerable individual variation in breeding phenology, average dates of male arrival, laying and hatching were later at Marion (47_S), Crozet (46_S) and Kerguelen (49_S) than at more southerly Bird Island, South Georgia (54_S).  Earlier breeding at South Georgia may ensure that chicks have time to grow sufficiently to survive harsh winter conditions that set in earlier at South Georgia.”

Wandering Albatrosses - and the author - at Marion Island

With thanks to Genevieve Jones – and for mentioning me in the acknowledgements!

Reference:

Jones, M.G.W., Dilley, B.J., Hagens, Q.A., Louw, H, Mertz, E.M., Visser, P. &. Ryan, P.G. 2016.  Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans breeding phenology at Marion Island.  Polar Biology DOI 10.1007/s00300-016-2042-7.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 19 December 2016