Do implanted data-loggers affect the time spent at sea by Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) during winter?
W. J. Ritchie A , J. A. Green A E , P. Dann B , P. J. Butler C and P. B. Frappell A DA Adaptational and Evolutionary Physiology Research Group, Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Vic. 3086, Australia.
B Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes, Phillip Island, Vic. 3922, Australia.
C Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
D Present address: School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Present address: School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK. Email: jonathan.green@liverpool.ac.uk
Emu 110(1) 71-77 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU09039
Submitted: 18 May 2009 Accepted: 3 December 2009 Published: 24 February 2010
Abstract
Abdominally implanted data-loggers have been used to study the behaviour and physiology of birds, with no detectable negative effects. This technique has great potential for smaller and streamlined species, since these animals tend to be more prone to the negative effects that may be associated with externally attached devices. We conducted the first assessment of the impacts of abdominally implanted heart-rate data-loggers on a smaller species, the Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor), which weighs ~1.1 kg. The number and duration of trips to sea were recorded in male penguins implanted with a device (n = 10) and compared with a control group not implanted with a device (n = 10). Trips were recorded for the entire duration of the Penguins’ winter non-breeding period, which for this species is the time of year when their energy budgets are most delicately balanced. The heart-rate data-loggers appeared to have no effect on percentage of time spent at sea, and the number and duration of overnight trips of 2–5 days or 6–26 days. Implanted Penguins undertook fewer trips of <1-day duration but the duration of these trips of <1 day was not affected. Individual Penguins showed highly variable foraging behaviour and the difference in the number of trips of <1 day may be attributed to individual specialisation in foraging behaviour.
Additional keywords: behaviour, diving, foraging, heart-rate.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the following people: Tania Billing, Julie McInnes, Leanne Renwick and Lyndal Horne identified Penguins and provided other assistance in the field. Tania Billing also kindly allowed us to use her gateway system and Andre Chiaradia provided advice on analysing gateway data. Jenny Hibble and Bruce Robertson assisted with surgeries. Dr Richard Preziosi gave expert statistical advice on the analytical approach used. This work was supported in part by a grant from Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation to PBF and JAG.
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