The influence of multi-species feeding associations on the foraging behaviour of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

• Main Author: Purvin, Cameron Mackenzie
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Massey University 2015
• Subjects: Gannets; New Zealand; Morus serrator; Hauraki Gulf; Gannet behaviour; Gannet feeding; Beaufort Sea
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10179/7228

In order to successfully capture prey in a challenging and physically demanding environment, Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) have developed a number of foraging strategies. Foremost among such strategies is the joining in formation of mixed species feeding associations (MSFA’s) and the use of specialised plunge diving behaviours. This study sought to determine how gannets vary individual and group plunge diving behaviours in order to maximise the benefits and mitigate the risks associated with feeding in densely packed, highly active MSFA’s. Specifically this study’s aims are to examine how variations in gannet dive heights, angles and completion rates are influenced by external stimuli, including weather parameters, oceanographic conditions and MSFA’s species composition and behaviour. This study additionally seeks to examine what mixed and/or con-­‐specific cues are associated with the formation of synchronous diving bouts, and determine its role as a form of local enhancement for gannets foraging in MSFA’s. Between March 2013 and June 2014, 45 independent boat based surveys were conducted aboard Dolphin Explorer, a 20m tour boat based in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf. Using a Canon XH A1S high definition video camera, approximately 11.9hrs of MSFA video footage was collected, containing 5565 recorded gannet plunge dives. Variations in these dives, including their height, angle of entry, and synchronous timing were examined in context of environmental variables including wind speeds, sea surface temperatures, and Beaufort sea states as well as against MSFA variables including the abundance of other foraging gannets, the abundance and behaviour of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.), and the presence of other species including shearwaters (Puffinus spp.), petrels (Fregetta spp.), terns (Sterna spp.), and Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni). While weather influences were found to have minimal effects on gannet dive behaviours, higher winds were associated with lower altitude dives, and less frequent synchronous ...