The distribution and abundance of burrowing seabirds (Procellariiformes) at Bird Island, South Georgia: Introduction and methods
The habitals utilized by burrowing petrels at Bird lsland, South Gcorgia are described and the habitat modifications induced by the activities of fur seals and other seabirds summarised. The field methods for an investigation of the distribution and abundance of the nine species of burrow-dwelling p...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
British Antarctic Survey
1982
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/33823/ https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/33823/7/491.pdf |
| Summary: | The habitals utilized by burrowing petrels at Bird lsland, South Gcorgia are described and the habitat modifications induced by the activities of fur seals and other seabirds summarised. The field methods for an investigation of the distribution and abundance of the nine species of burrow-dwelling petrels that breed on Bird lsland are described in detail. About 40% of the 200 hectares of ground suitable for burrow excavation was investigated using a system of grid squares each 3600 m² in area. ln each square, two randomly located circular quadrats of area 36 m² were studied. For each quadrat, aspect, slope, vegetation types and their cover, extent of fur seal influence and status of every burrow were recorded. Seven categories of both empty and occupied burrows were recognized and examination techniques (including use of tape-recorded calls to facilitate species identification) are described in detail. Over 5000 burrows were examined, with dove prion the most abundant species. |
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