Individual variability of behavioural responses by Wandering Albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) to human disturbance |
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| Authors: | Marienne S de Villiers John Cooper Peter G Ryan |
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| Institution: | (1) Avian Demography Unit, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa;(2) Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Sub-Antarctic Marion Island has had a permanent research station for 50 years and the island s Wandering Albatrosses have been intensively studied for 20 years. The reactions of breeding birds to approaches by a human on foot were recorded. Three response variables were calculated: intensity of vocal reaction (IVR), intensity of non-vocal reaction (INR) and overall response index (ORI). At 5 m from the nest, twice as many birds stood and/or vocalised as at 15 m. Nearest neighbour distance, age and gender did not explain individual variability of responses. Study colony birds had higher IVR scores than non-study colony birds; birds at colonies closest to the station had the highest ORI scores. A better breeding record was associated with lower IVR and ORI scores, but a causative relationship remains to be demonstrated. A minimum viewing distance of 25 m is recommended for breeding Wandering Albatrosses.
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