Spring migration duration exceeds that of autumn migration in Far East Asian Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) ...

• Main Authors: Deng, Xueqin, Zhao, Qingshan, Fang, Lei, Xu, Zhenggang, Wang, Xin, He, Haoren, Cao, Lei, Fox, Anthony
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: figshare 2019
• Subjects: Biophysics; Neuroscience; Evolutionary Biology; FOS Biological sciences; Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified; Ecology; Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified; Developmental Biology; Arctic
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4518530; https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Spring_migration_duration_exceeds_that_of_autumn_migration_in_Far_East_Asian_Greater_White-fronted_Geese_Anser_albifrons_/4518530

Abstract Background Migration theory suggests, and some empirical studies show, that in order to compete for the best breeding sites and increase reproductive success, long-distance avian migrants tend to adopt a time minimization strategy during spring migration, resulting in shorter duration spring migration compared to that in autumn. Methods Using GPS/GSM transmitters, we tracked the full migrations of 11 Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) between southeast China and the Russian Arctic, to reveal the migration timing and routes of the East Asian population, and compare the difference in duration between spring and autumn migration of this population. Results We found that migration in spring (79 ± 12 days) took more than twice as long to cover the same distance as in autumn (35 ± 7 days). This difference in migration duration was mainly determined by significantly more time spent in spring (59 ± 16 days) than in autumn (23 ± 6 days) at significantly more stopover sites. Conclusions We suggest ...