Within‐year movements and site fidelity of Purple Sandpipers during the nonbreeding season

ABSTRACT Although within‐year site fidelity to specific wintering sites allows shorebirds to use prior knowledge of resources and microhabitats, such fidelity may also make populations more vulnerable to extirpation in the event of increased predation pressure, habitat loss, or disturbance. In the eastern Atlantic, Purple Sandpipers (Calidris maritima) have been found to be highly faithful to specific sites in wintering areas. However, little is known about the use of wintering areas by these sandpipers along the coast of Maine. We quantified movements of 60 radio‐marked Purple Sandpipers in a bay near the mainland and on an offshore cluster of islands along the mid‐coast of Maine during two winters (2005–2006 and 2006–2007). Birds marked in early‐ and mid‐December remained until spring migration, with no evidence of onward migration. Mean maximum distances moved did not differ significantly between either males (8.6 ± 1.0 [SE] km; N= 30) and females (7.4 ± 0.8 km; N= 30) or juveniles (9.9 ± 1.6 km; N= 9) and adults (7.8 ± 1.1 km; N= 26). We also detected no monthly (January–May) differences in maximum distances moved. Sixty percent of marked individuals moved ≤5 km between the two most distant relocations and no birds moved >25 km during the 2‐ to 4‐month tracking period. We attribute the high site fidelity primarily to the plentiful prey base in the study area. During a 2‐d period with severe cold, feeding areas at locations protected from wave action became encased in ice and birds at these locations moved up to 10 km offshore to sites with less ice. Species with strong site fidelity, like wintering Purple Sandpipers, may be at higher risk in the event of large‐scale changes in their food base, increased predation pressure, habitat loss, or disturbance. However, the short‐distance movements made when intertidal feeding areas became encased in ice suggest that Purple Sandpipers could potentially move greater distances in response to changing conditions in their wintering areas.     

Comparative performance of four survey methods for assessing Lilian’s Lovebird abundance in Liwonde National Park,Malawi

Monitoring abundance of threatened species is important for conservation planning. Lilian’s Lovebird Agapornis lilianae is a near-threatened small parrot found in mopane Colophospermum mopane woodland. Its population has not been investigated in any part of its range. We investigated the abundance and density of the Lilian’s Lovebird in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. Both distance sampling (line and point transects) methods and total counts (waterhole and flyway counts) were applied. The point count method gave very low numbers and was discontinued after the first year. Line transects conducted during the wet season had the highest density estimates of 17 ± 4.8 lovebirds km?2 of mopane woodland. However, number of observations per transect in each year were low. Waterhole counts had the lowest density estimates (10 ± 3.5 lovebirds km?2). Flyway counts gave an intermediate estimate (13 ± 3.0 lovebirds km?2). The total population of Lilian’s Lovebirds in Liwonde National Park is therefore estimated to be about 4 000 individuals. The use of line transect counts at the end of the rainy season is recommended for continued monitoring of Lilian’s Lovebirds abundance in Liwonde National Park.     

Symbiodinium diversity in the sea anemone Entacmaea quadricolor on the east Australian coast

The diversity of Symbiodinium spp. in Entacmaea quadricolor was analysed from five locations along ~2,100 km on the east coast of Australia using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) combined with bacterial cloning. DGGE revealed that E. quadricolor predominantly associated with six types of clade C (four of which are novel) and that most anemones harboured multiple types simultaneously. Anemones from southern locations associated with a mixed assemblage of C25 and a variant of C3. This assemblage also dominated the central location, but was absent at the northern location. At central and northern sites, two novel variants of C42(type2) and C1 were found. Anemones hosting C42(type2) also showed a low abundance of variants of C3 and C1, and E1 was found in one sample, as revealed by bacterial cloning. The occurrence of geographically distinct ITS2 types or a consortium of types might reflect a need to optimise physiological performance of the symbiosis at different latitudes.     

Dynamics of an introduced population of mouflon Ovis aries on the sub‐Antarctic archipelago of Kerguelen

A commonly reported pattern in large herbivores is their propensity to irrupt and crash when colonizing new areas. However, the relative role of density‐dependence, climate, and cohort effects on demographic rates in accounting for the irruptive dynamics of large herbivores remains unclear. Using a 37‐yr time series of abundance in a mouflon Ovis aries population located on Haute Island, a sub‐Antarctic island of Kerguelen, 1) we investigated if irruptive dynamics occurred and 2) we quantified the relative effects of density and climate on mouflon population dynamics. Being released in a new environment, we expected mouflon to show rapid growth and marked over‐compensation. In support of this prediction, we found a two‐phase dynamics, the first phase being characterised by an irruptive pattern best described by the θ‐Caughley model. Parameter estimates were r_m=0.29±0.005(maximum growth rate), K=473±45 (carrying capacity) and S=2903±396 (surplus) mouflon. With a θ=3.18±0.69 our model also supported the hypothesis that density dependence is strongest at high density in large herbivores. The second phase was characterised by an unstable dynamics where growth rate was negatively affected by population abundance and winter precipitation. Climate, however, did not trigger population crashes and our model suggested that lagged density‐dependence and over‐grazing were the probable causes of mouflon irruptive dynamics. We compare our results with those of Soay sheep and discuss the possibility of a reversible alteration of the island carrying capacity after the initial over‐grazing period.     

Observations on changes in abundance of questing Ixodes ricinus,castor bean tick,over a 35‐year period in the eastern part of its range (Russia,Tula region)

Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) L. transmit a wide variety of pathogens to vertebrates including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Understanding of the epidemiology of tick‐borne infections requires basic knowledge of the regional and local factors influencing tick population dynamics. The present study describes the results of monitoring of a questing I. ricinus population, conducted over 35 years (1977–2011) in the eastern, poorly studied part of its range (Russia, Tula region). We have found that the multiannual average abundance of ticks is small and varies depending on the biotope and degree of urban transformation. Tick abundance for the first 14 years of observations (1977–1990) was at the lower limit of the sensitivity of our methods throughout the study area (0.1–0.9 specimens per 1‐km transect). In the following 21 years (1991–2011), a manifold increase in abundance was observed, which reached 18.1 ± 1.8 individuals per 1‐km transect in moist floodplain terraces, and 4.8 ± 0.9 in xerophylic hill woods. Long‐term growth of tick abundance occurred in spite of a relatively constant abundance of small mammals and only minor fluctuations in the abundance of large wild animals. Climate and anthropogenic changes appear to be the main contributors to increased abundance of the tick.     

Testing the abundant‐centre hypothesis using intertidal porcelain crabs along the Chilean coast: linking abundance and life‐history variation

Aim The abundant‐centre hypothesis (ACH) is based on the assumption that physiological constraints limit populations at the edges of their distributional range, yet the geographical variation of physiological performance or life‐history traits has rarely been examined. Here we examine the applicability of the ACH in a marine system by testing whether physiological predictions are reflected in large‐scale variations of life‐history traits. Location The Chilean coast (18°–42° S), encompassing more than 2500 km along the Pacific coast of South America. Methods Five porcelain crab species (Petrolisthes granulosus, Petrolisthes laevigatus, Petrolisthes tuberculatus, Petrolisthes violaceus and Allopetrolisthes angulosus) were sampled on intertidal boulder beaches at 13 sampling sites. For each species and site we evaluated: (1) relative abundance (density), (2) maximum size, (3) size at maturity, (4) sex ratio, (5) proportion of ovigerous females, and (6) presence of recruits. The shape of the spatial distribution of each trait was evaluated statistically against the prediction of four hypothetical models (normal, ramped‐south, ramped‐north and abundant‐edge). Results The relative abundance and life‐history traits showed different spatial patterns among species. Relative abundance (across sites) was fitted by a normal model in only two species. No model fitted the spatial variation in body size and size at first maturity, which showed a slight but monotonic poleward increase in all species. Sex ratio showed a prominent hump‐shaped pattern, with females prevailing in the centre of the ranges and males dominating towards the range boundaries; this pattern was statistically significant in three of the five studied species. The proportion of ovigerous females showed no clear latitudinal trends, and mature individuals were observed across most of the geographical range of the species. However, recruits tended to be absent towards the southern (poleward) boundaries of the distribution. Main conclusions The ACH does not apply to all species equally. The link between abundance and life‐history traits is complex and variable among the porcelain crab species studied. Overall, the observed patterns were consistent with the idea that equatorward boundaries might be controlled by physiological restrictions mainly affecting adult survival, whereas poleward boundaries might be shaped by limitations in reproductive output and larval survival. Our results underline the importance of incorporating ecological, physiological and life‐history studies in future tests of the ACH.     

Coastal vegetation structures and their functions in tsunami protection: experience of the recent Indian Ocean tsunami

This study explored the effects of coastal vegetation on tsunami damage based on field observations carried out after the Indian Ocean tsunami on 26 December 2004. Study locations covered about 250 km (19 locations) on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and about 200 km (29 locations) on the Andaman coast of Thailand. The representative vegetation was classified into six types according to their habitat and the stand structures of the trees. The impact of vegetation structure on drag forces was analyzed using the observed characteristics of the tree species. The drag coefficient, including the vertical stand structures of trees, C _d-all, and the vegetation thickness (cumulative trunk diameter of vegetation in the tsunami direction) per unit area, dN _u (d: reference diameter of trees, N _u : number of trees per unit area), varied greatly with the species classification. Based on the field survey and data analysis, Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata (hereafter R. apiculata-type), kinds of mangroves, and Pandanus odoratissimus, a representative tree that grows in beach sand, were found to be especially effective in providing protection from tsunami damage due to their complex aerial root structure. Two layers of vegetation in the vertical direction with P. odoratissimus and Casuarina equisetifolia and a horizontal vegetation structure of small and large diameter trees were also important for increasing drag and trapping floating objects, broken branches, houses, and people. The vertical structure also provided an effective soft landing for people washed up by the tsunami or for escaping when the tsunami waves hit, although its dN _u is not large compared with R. apiculata-type and P. odoratissimus. In addition, the creeks inside mangroves and the gaps inside C. equisetifolia vegetation are assumed to be effective for retarding tsunami waves. This information should be considered in future coastal landscape planning, rehabilitation, and coastal resource management.     

Comparing upriver spawning migration of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and sea trout Salmo trutta

Radio tagged wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar(n = 30) and sea trout Salmo trutta(n = 19) were simultaneously released from a sea pen outside the mouth of the River Lærdalselva and their migration to spawning areas was recorded. The distance from the river mouth to a position held at spawning ranged from 2 to 24 km and did not differ between the species (mean ± s .d . 15·9 ± 4·3 and 14·9 ± 5·2 km for Atlantic salmon and sea trout, respectively). The duration of the migration phase, however, was significantly shorter for Atlantic salmon than for sea trout (8–12 days, respectively). All Atlantic salmon migrated straight to an area near the spawning ground, whereas 50% of the sea trout had a stepwise progression with one or more periods with erratic movements before reaching the spawning area. After the migration phase, a distinct search phase with repeated movements up‐ and downstream at or close to the position held at spawning was identified for the majority of the fishes (75%, both species). This search phase was significantly shorter for Atlantic salmon than for sea trout (mean 13–31 days, respectively). Mean ± s .d . length of the river stretch used during the search phase was larger for sea trout (3·3 ± 2·5 km) than for Atlantic salmon (1·2 ± 0·9 km). A distinct holding phase, with no movements until spawning, was also observed in the majority of the Atlantic salmon (80%, mean duration 22 days) and sea trout (65%, mean duration 12 days). For both species, a weak, non‐significant trend was observed in the relationship between time spent on the migration phase, and time spent on the search (r² = 0·43) and holding phase (r² = 0·24). There was a highly significant decrease, however, in the duration of the holding phase with an increase in the time spent on the search phase (r² = 0·67).     

Where are the little ones: distribution and abundance of the threatened serranid Epinephelus daemelii (Günther, 1876) in intertidal habitats in New South Wales,Australia

A survey of intertidal habitats, including coastal rock pools, was undertaken across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, February to May 2012, to test the hypothesis that the distribution and abundance of threatened juvenile black cod Epinephelus daemelii (Günther, 1876) does not differ across marine bioregions. An assessment was also provided on their habitat use and site fidelity. Various methods were trialled to determine the best method for detecting juvenile E. daemelii, with the most suitable method being the deployment of small baited underwater high definition video cameras for a period of 30 min. Using these baited video cameras, sampling occurred across four bioregions in NSW, covering approximately 800 km of coastline. Within each bioregion, a minimum of nine locations was selected, and at each location a minimum of six intertidal habitats was surveyed for the presence of E. daemelii. Of 412 sites surveyed, a total of 20 juveniles (mean size = 16.7 cm ± 1.1 cm SE) were found in intertidal habitats along approx. 420 km of coastline. The smallest juvenile was L_T 3 cm and the largest fish was stereo measured at L_T 26.5 cm. E. daemelii were found to tolerate a large range of water quality parameters, particularly temperature (mean 21.7°C ± 0.7 SE, min = 16.8°C and max = 31.2°C) and dissolved oxygen (mean 11.2 mg L^?1 ± 1.3 SE, min = 5.7 mg L^?1 and max = 19.2 mg L^?1). E. daemelii were found in habitats dominated by boulders and overhangs, indicating a preference for structural features that provide solid cover. No E. daemelii were recorded at sites that had algae as the dominant habitat type. Juvenile E. daemelii were found to display site fidelity to rock pool habitats, with two individuals recorded as remaining at their same sites for a period of 471 days, even though the rock pools were open to the ocean at high tides. This study indicates that the abundance of juvenile E. daemelii is low, especially north of Port Stephens where adults are most abundant. Use of the small baited video cameras proved to be a successful sampling method to confirm that juvenile E. daemelii utilise rock pool and shallow reef intertidal habitats in the early stages of their life cycle.     

Climatic limitation of the southern distribution of the common blossom bat Syconycteris australis in New South Wales

Abstract This study investigates the importance of climate as a factor influencing the southern distributional limit of the common blossom bat (Syconycteris australis). Using the climatic predictive model BIOCLIM and 73 locality records, 5. australis was predicted to have a coastal distribution in eastern Australia, where winter temperatures are relatively warm and moist conditions prevail throughout the year. The actual southern limit of S. australis, determined by mist-netting suitable habitats, was found to be at Booti-Booti (32°19'S 152°3l'E) on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. BIOCLIM predicted the southerly limit of 5. australis to be 150–200km further south of their actual limit. Booti-Booti was occupied at relatively low levels of abundance year round, while the abundance of S. australis at a site 50 km to the north was much greater, fluctuating with changes in Banksia flower numbers. Seasonal range extensions beyond Booti-Booti were not detected, despite the availability of apparently suitable habitat at Myall Lakes only 20–35 km further south. Metabolic costs of S. australis at Booti-Booti were estimated to exceed basal metabolic rate (BMR) by 4.5 times, well above the physiologically predicted limit of 2.5 times BMR. These results, together with the lack of range extensions and the close correspondence of BIOCLIM'S predicted southern limit of S. australis with their actual limit, suggest that the bat's southern distribution is limited by cold, wet winters and dry summers.     

Top‐down effects on pelagic heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) in a large river (River Rhine): do losses to the benthos play a role?

1. The abundance, production and control of pelagic heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) in the Lower River Rhine (Germany) were investigated. Field samples (live‐counting technique) were taken at least every 2 weeks at Cologne (km 685) over a period of 20 months. In addition, Lagrangian sampling was carried out 160 km downstream of Cologne (Kalkar–Grieth, km 845) over a period of 12 months. Potential HNF growth rates and loss rates caused by planktonic predators were estimated in the laboratory (size fractionation experiments) and compared with the changes in HNF‐density in a water parcel flowing downstream. 2. Mean abundance (±SD) ranged from 7 ± 6 to 4890 ± 560 individuals mL^–1 and was positively correlated with discharge. Heterotrophic nanoflagellates abundance increased up to 30‐fold during flood events, whereas there were only minor changes in the taxonomic composition. 3. HNF growth rate ranged from 0.16 ± 0.12 to 1.98 ± 0.10 day^–1. Between 0 and 95% (mean: 32%) of the gross production was lost to planktonic predators; a larger portion between 0 and 195% (mean: 64%) of the HNF gross production was lost by other means. 4. There may be an important role for benthic predators in the control of pelagic HNF. First, production of HNF was high and grazing losses to planktonic predators low at times when HNF abundance was low. Secondly, high in situ loss rates (not explicable by planktonic predators), which were positively related to temperature, indicate the importance of biotic interactions. Thirdly, the dependence of HNF abundance on discharge indicated a decrease grazing intensity with rising water levels (increase in water volume/colonised river bed ratio). 5. The impact of discharge on planktonic HNF mediated by the grazing impact of benthic predators was modelled, showing a good fit with the field data.     

Range extension of a boreal amphipod Gammarus oceanicus in the warming Arctic

The recent (2008–2016) occurrence of a boreal intertidal amphipod Gammarus oceanicus along the Spitsbergen coast is compared with corresponding data from 1980 to 1994. We aimed to compare the pace of environmental changes in the area (ice retreat, temperature increase) with distribution change of G. oceanicus. Material for the study was collected from intertidal, at low water level from over 100 locations on Spitsbergen, the main island of Svalbard archipelago (expanding from 76 to 80°N). The west coast of the island has been exposed to a steady increase in sea surface and air temperature (2°C in 20 years), as well as a significant decrease in fast ice duration (from over 5 months to less than 1 per year). A total length of more than 3,600 km of the island's coastline has been recently impacted by warming. Of the two sibling Gammarus species that dwell in the Spitsbergen littoral, G. setosus, the local cold water species remains generally where it was observed about 20–30 years ago. By contrast, boreal G. oceanicus has expanded its distribution range by over 1,300 km along the west and north coasts of Spitsbergen and gained dominating position on the number of sites, where it was previously just an occasional species.     

Distribution and foraging behaviour of the Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata) off northern Chile

The Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata) is one of the most numerous guano bird species in the Humboldt Current. We used a combination of data logger deployment, at-sea observations and colony-based work to investigate the foraging and diving behaviour, as well as the at-sea distribution and food choice of Peruvian Boobies breeding at Isla Pajaros, northern central Chile. Birds foraged in the vicinity of Isla Pajaros. They performed short foraging trips, varying between a few minutes and several hours. Average foraging range was 17.1 ± 3.5 km and diving took place between 2 and 10 km off the coast. Birds dived to depth of up to 10 m with an average depth of 4.3 ± 1.5 m. By at-sea observations as well as by data logger deployment, we identified important foraging areas close to the coast, especially around protruding points. The birds’ diet was highly variable between years, with Inka scad (Trachurus murphyi) and anchovy (Engraulis ringens) being the overall dominant prey species. Despite limited sample sizes, this paper presents first results about the foraging behaviour of Peruvian Boobies at the largest breeding colony in northern Chile. This information is essential for a better understanding of the effects of environmental changes as well as for the implementation of conservation measures.     

The density and stability of birds in shrubland and drainage line woodland in the southern Karoo,South Africa

Comparative surveys of bird species richness and abundance showed that a total of 69 bird species was recorded on 1 km transects (n = 996) through shrubland, with a total estimated density of birds of 32.7 ± 32.8 (S.D.) birds/km², of which resident birds made up 24.4 ± 21.0 birds/km², nomads made up 1.9 ± 11.7 birds/km² and local nomads made up 6.3 ± 20.1 birds/km². There was no correlation in general between total bird numbers or total bird biomass and rain, but numbers and biomass of nomads showed the strongest correlations with rainfall two months previously. A total of 86 species was recorded on 276 surveys along a 1 km stretch of drainage line woodland. Species richness varied from an average of about nine species to 24 species each month, and only showed a marked change during the 'dry' period of 1990 to early 1991. Density of birds in this woodland was 59.2 ± 20.8 birds/km. Biomass of birds was relatively constant throughout the study period, with marked increases in certain months when large species were present.     

Increased 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal‐induced proteasome dysfunction is correlated with cardiac damage in streptozotocin‐injected rats with isoproterenol infusion

Increase in 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4HNE) due to oxidative stress has been observed in a variety of cardiac diseases such as diabetic cardiomyopathy. 4HNE exerts a damaging effect in the myocardium by interfering with subcellular organelles like mitochondria by forming adducts. Therefore, we hypothesized that increased 4HNE adduct formation in the heart results in proteasome inactivation in isoproterenol (ISO)‐infused type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. Eight‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg kg^?1). The rats were infused with ISO (5 mg kg^?1) for 2 weeks by mini pumps, after 8 weeks of STZ injection. We studied normal control (n = 8) and DM + ISO (n = 10) groups. Cardiac performance was assessed by echocardiography and Millar catheter at the end of the protocol at 20 weeks. Initially, we found an increase in 4HNE adducts in the hearts of the DM + ISO group. There was also a decrease in myocardial proteasomal peptidase (chymotrypsin and trypsin‐like) activity. Increases in cardiomyocyte area (446 ± 32·7 vs 221 ± 10·83) (µm²), per cent area of cardiac fibrosis (7·4 ± 0·7 vs 2·7 ± 0·5) and cardiac dysfunction were also found in DM + ISO (P < 0·05) relative to controls. We also found increased 4HNE adduct formation on proteasomal subunits. Furthermore, reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity was observed in the myocardium of the DM + ISO group. Treatment with 4HNE (100 μM) for 4 h on cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes attenuated proteasome activity. Therefore, we conclude that the 4HNE‐induced decrease in proteasome activity may be involved in the cardiac pathology in STZ‐injected rats infused with ISO. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Distribution of Hydrobiids and the Effects of Sediment Characteristics on the Population Dynamics of Hydrobia ventrosa in a Coastal Region of the Southern Baltic

The composition of the hydrobiid fauna in a coastal water of the southern Baltic was studied in 1990/91 at three stations with different sediment characteristics (grain size, organic content). Four species were found (Hydrobia ventrosa, H. ulvae, H. neglecta and Potamopyrgus jenkinsi). H. ventrosa was dominant at all stations. The mean hydrobiid abundances were 4,000 (stn. C), 18,000 (stn. B) and 40,000 (stn. A) ind./m² respectively. Abundance was found to correlate with the organic content of the sediment. The reproduction and growth of H. ventrosa was studied. Two reproduction phases were observed, one in summer and the other in late autumn. The autumn reproduction peaks were staggered owing to the different growth rates at the various stations. Possible correlations between the differences in shell size of H. ventrosa at the various stations and both sediment characteristics and abundance are discussed.     

Establishment of the invasive perennial <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vincetoxicum rossicum</Emphasis> across a disturbance gradient in New York State,USA

Vincetoxicum rossicum (pale swallow-wort) is a non-native, perennial, herbaceous vine in the Apocynaceae. The species’ abundance is steadily increasing in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Little is known about Vincetoxicum species recruitment and growth. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment in New York State to address this knowledge gap. We determined the establishment, survival, and growth of V. rossicum during the first 2 years after sowing in two old fields subjected to four disturbance regimens. We hypothesized that establishment and survival would be higher in treatments with greater disturbance. At the better-drained location, overall establishment was 15 ± 1% [mean ± standard error] and did not differ among treatments. At the poorly drained location, establishment varied by treatment; mowed and control plots had greater establishment [10 ± 2%] than herbicide + tillage and herbicide-only plots [1.6 ± 0.5%]. Of those seedlings that emerged, overall survival was high at both locations (70–84%). Similarly, total (above + belowground) biomass was greater in herbicide + tillage and herbicide-only plots than in mowed and control plots at both locations. Thus, V. rossicum was successful in establishing and surviving across a range of disturbance regimens particularly relative to other old field species, but growth was greater in more disturbed treatments. The relatively high-establishment rates in old field habitats help explain the invasiveness of this Vincetoxicum species in the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada.     

Distribution and abundance of fish in a rocky reef environment at the subantarctic Auckland Islands,New Zealand

Summary The distribution and abundance of fish in a rocky reef environment were investigated at the subantarctic Auckland Islands of New Zealand, in June 1986. Fish were counted in transects and specimens were taken. The diversity and abundance of species of large reef fish was low; a total of eight species were observed. Most fish were benthic carnivores. These findings are similar to studies of reef fish in subantarctic waters of Chile. Large differences in species composition were found among locations at the Auckland Islands. The number of species and their abundance was highest near exposed headlands. Few fish were found on reefs at more sheltered inlets. At most locations the nototheniids Paranotothenia angustata and P. microlepidota ranked first in abundance at deep and shallow sites. There were some species that showed differences in abundance with depth. Highest abundance of Bovichthys variegatus, Latridopsis cilaris, Latris lineata and Pseudolabrus cinctus were in deep water on reefs. Large numbers of juvenile P. microlepidota were found only in shallow water. No depth related patterns were found for P. angustata and Mendosoma lineatum. Specimens, other than those counted in transects, were also collected. There were small fish, 4 species of tripterygiids, 1 gobiescocid and 2 syngnathids. The Auckland Islands had closer zoogeographic affinities with islands of temperate and subantarctic New Zealand than with other landmasses of the westwind drift. Although most fish found at the Auckland Islands are found also in temperature New Zealand, the converse of this pattern was not found. The proportional representation of species and trophic groups differed markedly between these regions.     

Do the dietary compositions of Acanthopagrus butcheri in four estuaries and a coastal lake vary with body size and season and within and amongst these water bodies?

The dietary compositions were determined for Acanthopagrus butcheri in four estuaries and a saline, coastal lake, which vary in the extent, if any, of their connection to the sea and amongst which, in spring and summer, their salinities ranged from 2 to 7‰ in an intermittently open estuary to >40‰ in a normally closed estuary. The dietary compositions of A. butcheri in each of the five water bodies were significantly different, which reflected differences in the abundance of different components of the biota in those systems. Biotic differences amongst water bodies thus accounted for the far larger contributions made to the volume of the stomach contents by the macroalgae Cladophora sp. in the Moore River Estuary on the lower west coast of Australia, by amphipods and decapods in the Swan River Estuary 85 km further south and by polychaetes in the landlocked Lake Clifton a further 85 km further south. The diet of A. butcheri in the Nornalup/Walpole Estuary on the south coast of Western Australia contained atypically large volumes of the seagrass Ruppia megacarpa and teleosts, whereas that in the normally closed Wellstead Estuary, 260 km to the east was characterised by large volumes of the macroalgae Chaetomorpha sp. and a tube‐dwelling amphipod. However, there is evidence that A. butcheri selects certain prey, when two or more of the typical prey of A. butcheri are present in the environment, and that it prefers to feed on or above the substratum, rather than within the substratum. The dietary composition of A. butcheri underwent pronounced ontogenetic changes in each water body, these being progressive in estuaries on the lower west coast and abrupt in those on the south coast. Within the upper Swan Estuary, the dietary composition changed in an upstream direction, reflecting changes in the relative abundance of certain benthic macroinvertebrate prey, but did not undergo conspicuous seasonal changes, which is consistent with the lack of any clear cut seasonal changes in the abundance of their major prey.     

Foraging movements of Leach's storm‐petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa during incubation

Knowledge of foraging movements during the breeding season is key to understanding energetic stresses faced by seabirds. Using archival light loggers (geolocators), a Bayesian state–space model, and stable isotope analysis, we compared foraging movements of Leach's storm‐petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa during their incubation periods in 2012 and 2013. Data were collected from two colonies, Bon Portage Island and Country Island, which are 380 km apart along the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Based on allometry for procellariiform mass, predicted foraging ranges for Leach's storm‐petrels are 200 km; however, observed maximum distances from the colony were 3 to 5 times that. Storm‐petrels from Country Island travelled 1015 ± 238 km southeast to the Laurentian fan and south of the Grand Banks whereas storm‐petrels from Bon Portage Island travelled 613 ± 167 km southeast, beyond the continental slope, east of Georges Bank. The average distance travelled in a return trip was 2287 ± 603 km and 1303 ± 351 km for Country Island and Bon Portage Island, respectively. There were no differences between years in cumulative distances travelled within islands, but foraging trips did not last as long in 2013 (4.7 ± 1.5 d) as they did in 2012 (6.2 ± 2.1 d). Stable isotope analyses indicated that, during the incubation period, prey items from Country Island were from higher trophic levels and possibly had higher energy content than those from Bon Portage Island, perhaps explaining the more distant and longer foraging trips for Country Island birds.