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Publication
Demographic parameters of black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophris from the Falkland Islands
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophris
are currently classified as globally endangered.
The most important populations of this species are believed
to be declining due to, amongst other factors, unsustainable
levels of incidental mortality in fishing gear. However,
detailed demographic data are lacking for several critical
populations, including the largest of all, nesting in the
Falkland Islands. Here, we present data from the first
Falkland Islands detailed demographic study (at New
Island) and show that, from 2003 to 2009, the mean adult
survival probability was 0.942 (95% CI: 0.930–0.952).
Nesting frequency of adults is amongst the highest recorded
for Thalassarche albatrosses and breeding success
(0.564 chicks per egg) is within normal values. The nesting
population in the intensively studied plots experienced an
increase of 4% per year from 2004 to 2009. These results
indicate that the Falklands population may not be as
threatened as previously supposed, although studies from
more sites and a longer time series are needed to confirm or
refute this. The high survival rates may partly reflect recent
efforts to mitigate bycatch made by the Falkland Islands
and other fisheries in the region. The reinforcement of such
initiatives may be critical to buffer the black-browed
albatross population against ecosystem shifts and natural
disasters (such as harmful algal blooms) that will likely
become more frequent with ongoing global changes.
Description
Keywords
New Island Bycatch Demography Red tide Patagonian shelf
Citation
Polar Biology, 34, 1221-1229