Metapopulation dynamics and foraging plasticity in a highly vagile seabird, the southern rockhopper penguin

Population connectivity is driven by individual dispersal potential and modulated by natal philopatry. In seabirds, high vagility facilitates dispersal yet philopatry is also common, with foraging area overlap often correlated with population connectivity. We assess the interplay between these proce...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lois, Nicolas, Campagna, Leonardo, Balza, Ulises, Polito, Michael, Pütz, Klemens, Vianna, Juliana, Morgenthaler, Annick, Frere, Esteban, Saenz-Samaniego, Ricardo, Raya Rey, Andrea, Mahler, Bettina
Format: Dataset
Language:unknown
Published: 2020
Subjects:
Online Access:https://zenodo.org/record/4994090
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vmcvdncpx
Description
Summary:Population connectivity is driven by individual dispersal potential and modulated by natal philopatry. In seabirds, high vagility facilitates dispersal yet philopatry is also common, with foraging area overlap often correlated with population connectivity. We assess the interplay between these processes by studying past and current connectivity and foraging niche overlap among southern rockhopper penguin colonies of the coast of southern South America using genomic and stable isotope analyses. We found two distinct genetic clusters and detected low admixture between northern and southern colonies. Stable isotope analysis indicated niche variability between colonies, with Malvinas/Falklands colonies encompassing the species entire isotopic foraging niche, while the remaining colonies had smaller, nonoverlapping niches. A recently founded colony in continental Patagonia differed in isotopic niche width and position with Malvinas/Falklands colonies, its genetically identified founder population, suggesting the exploitation of novel foraging areas and/or prey items. Additionally, dispersing individuals found dead across the Patagonian shore in an unusual mortality event were also assigned to the northern cluster, suggesting northern individuals reach southern localities, but do not breed in these colonies. Facilitated by variability in foraging strategies, and especially during unfavorable conditions, the number of dispersing individuals may increase and enhance the probability of founding new colonies. Metapopulation demographic dynamics in seabirds should account for interannual variability in dispersal behavior and pay special attention to extreme climatic events, classically related to negative effects on population trends. Funding provided by: Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y TecnológicaCrossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003074Award Number: PICT 2014‐1870,PICT 2015‐0569Funding provided by: Wildlife Conservation SocietyCrossref Funder Registry ID: ...