James Grecian (Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK) and colleagues have published in the open-access online journal Biology Letters on the presence of Cory’s Calonectris borealis and Scopoli’s C. diomedea Shearwaters and other seabirds within the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Upwelling regions are highly productive habitats targeted by wide-ranging marine predators and industrial fisheries. In this study, we track the migratory movements of eight seabird species from across the Atlantic; quantify overlap with the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) and determine the habitat characteristics that drive this association.  Our results indicate the CCLME is a biodiversity hotspot for migratory seabirds; all tracked species and more than 70% of individuals used this upwelling region.  Relative species richness peaked in areas where sea surface temperature averaged between 15 and 20°C, and correlated positively with chlorophyll a, revealing the optimum conditions driving bottom-up trophic effects for seabirds.  Marine vertebrates are not confined by international boundaries, making conservation challenging.  However, by linking diversity to ocean productivity, our research reveals the significance of the CCLME for seabird populations from across the Atlantic, making it a priority for conservation action.”

Scopoli's Shearwater, photograph by 'Pep' Arcos

With thanks to Richard Phillips.

Reference:

Grecian, W.J., Witt , M.J. Attrill, M.J., Bearhop, S., Becker, P.H., Egevang, C., Furness, R.W., Godley, B.J., González-Solís, J., Grémillet, D., Kopp, M., Lescroe, A., Matthiopoulos, J., Patrick, S.C., Peter, H.-U., Phillips, R.A., Stenhouse, I. & Votier, S.C. 2016.  Seabird diversity hotspot linked to ocean productivity in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem.  Biology Letters 12: 20160024. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2016.0024.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 August 2016

Jeff Troy (Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA) and colleagues write in the journal Waterbirds on aspects of the breeding habitat of Newell's Shearwater Puffinus newelli and Hawaiian Petrel Pterodroma sandwichensis.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Small-scale environmental characteristics associated with nesting burrows of the Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) were documented in mesic and wet montane forest on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, USA.  Most plots containing burrows were located on steep slopes, ranging from 28° to 48° (median = 39°) for the Newell's Shearwater and 0° to 67° (median = 34.5°) for the Hawaiian Petrel.  Plots generally contained > 20% to 40% up to > 80% to 100% estimated vegetation cover 0–1 m above ground and > 0% to 20% up to > 60% to 80% cover 1–2 m above ground.  Plots were also associated with estimated canopy cover from > 0% to 10% up to > 80% to 90% for the Newell's Shearwater and 0% up to > 70% to 80% for the Hawaiian Petrel. Soil in Newell's Shearwater plots tended to be harder 7.62–22.86 cm below ground, which might provide increased burrow stability. Additionally, maximum vegetation height tended to be greater above Newell's Shearwater plots (median = 6.00 m) than Hawaiian Petrel plots (median = 3.25 m). Taller trees may serve as climbing structures helping Newell's Shearwaters become airborne in thickly vegetated regions that are farther from ridgelines and associated with lighter wind speeds aloft.”

Newell's Shearwater, photograph by Eric Vanderwerf

Reference:

Troy, J.R., Holmes, N.D., Joyce, T., Behnke, J.H. & Green, M.C. 2016. Characteristics associated with Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) burrows on Kauai, Hawaii, USA.  Waterbirds 39: 199-204.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 August 2016

Ben Dilley (Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal Polar Biology on burrow density changes of ACAP-listed White-chinned Petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis and other burrowing petrels at Marion Island after the eradication of feral cats.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Introduced predators are one of the main threats facing seabirds breeding on oceanic islands. Cats (Felis catus) were introduced to subantarctic Marion Island (290 km²) in 1949, and by the 1970s some 2000 cats were killing about 450,000 seabirds per year, greatly reducing burrowing petrel populations.  Cats were eradicated by 1991, but house mice (Mus musculus) remain.  The densities of utilised petrel burrows were estimated in 2013 by systematically searching for their burrows in 741 10 9 10 m sample quadrats in the north-eastern sector of Marion Island, repeating the sampling design and methods used by Schramm in 1979.  The mean burrow densities and 95 % CIs were compared between surveys by species for the different habitat and vegetation types, with non-overlapping CIs considered indicative of an increase in burrow density.  With cats eradicated and the potential for immigration from nearby Prince Edward Island (free of introduced mammals), we could expect a multi-fold increase in petrel numbers over the last two decades; however, burrow densities at Marion have increased by only 56 % since 1979.  White-chinned petrels (Procellaria aequinoctialis) showed the greatest increase, despite being listed as vulnerable due to incidental mortality on fishing gear at sea.”

White-chinnd Petrels, photograph by Ben Phalan 

Reference:

Dilley, B.J., Schramm, M. & Ryan, P.G. 2016.  Modest increases in densities of burrow-nesting petrels following the removal of cats (Felis catus) from Marion Island.  Polar Biology.  doi:10.1007/s00300-016-1985-z.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer,  15 August 2016

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic Conservation Scientist to join the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) team working on marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOTs).

“The post-holder will assess the extent to which marine sites of conservation importance (marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas and Key Biodiversity Areas) in the UKOTs are covered by existing spatial protections, and compile data on the pressures these important areas face.  The post holder will also be responsible for analysing tracking data from seabirds and other marine fauna to produce detailed distribution maps in the Tristan da Cunha EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

The post-holder is expected to hold a PhD with a focus on spatial distributions of marine fauna, evidenced by a publication record in the peer-reviewed international scientific literature.  Candidates must also have experience working with and manipulating spatial data from biologgers and other sources.  Familiarity with analysis of spatial data in either R or ArcMap, or Python, will be essential.  Knowledge of marine protected areas and Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas is also an asset.

Experience in data management is essential, as is preparation of scientific manuscripts and reports for a diverse range of audiences.  The post will be desk-based and involve extensive collaboration with teams in Conservation Science and the Overseas Territories Unit of RSPB’s international programme, as well as with BirdLife International.

The post-holder will need to build and maintain collaborative relationships with key internal and external partners using high standard oral and written communications. They may need to represent the RSPB as a technical expert in a variety of internal and external fora.”

A female Tristan Albatross incubates on Gough Island, photograph by John Cooper 

Closing date: 01 September 2016.  Read more here.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 August 2016