Diatom communities in soils influenced by the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans)

Soil diatom communities within two breeding colonies of the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) on Île de la Possession (Crozet Archipelago) were investigated. Samples were collected around occupied and abandoned nests and compared with control samples taken from soils lacking any animal influence. A total of 163 diatom taxa has been identified. Differences in the diatom flora were recorded between the two colonies, but the results show that it is almost impossible to identify a single diatom community typical for albatross-influenced areas. Diatom species composition varied markedly between control samples, occupied and abandoned nests. A turnover in the diatom community (shift from eutraphentic to oligotraphentic taxa) was observed when moving away from both occupied and abandoned nests, although no significant differences in diversity have been found. In summary, soil diatom species composition seems to indicate the impact of animal perturbations. However, it is too early to draw sound conclusions and further studies regarding the topic should be performed to confirm the results of the present study.