Project Title

Population growth at the southern extreme: Effects of early life conditions on Adélie penguin individuals and colonies

Summary

Event Number:
B-200-M
NSF / OPP Award 1935870

Program Director:
Dr. Rebecca Gast

ASC POC/Implementer:
Jenny Cunningham

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Grant Ballard
gballard@pointblue.org
Point Reyes Bird Observatory
San Francisco, California

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: Cape Crozier, Cape Royds

Description

In the Ross Sea region, one of the largest Adélie penguin colonies in the world is growing quickly, despite signs of negative density dependence. Building on a long-term biologging and demographic datasets, this team will integrate the role of environmental factors with information on penguin foraging behavior, diet, growth, and survival at Cape Crozier and Cape Royds. Data will be used to evaluate how early-life conditions and penguin behavior relate to penguin energetics and population size. Results from this study will enhance the scientific understanding of important penguin and prey populations and provide information that will feed into the conservation of sea-ice ecosystems. The team will also lead a diverse training and public outreach program.

Field Season Overview

The support scope for this season is reduced due to COVID-19 impacts. Five participants will deploy over the course of the season. The group will occupy the hut at Cape Crozier and conduct penguin monitoring activities there, with occasional day trips to work in the colony at Cape Royds. Field activities will include installing weighbridges, re-sighting banded birds, drone surveys, and following birds through incubation and chick-rearing into late January. The group will also attach GPS tags and dive recorders on adults and juveniles.

Deploying Team Members