Inter-annual variability in Chinstrap penguin diet at South Shetland and South Orkneys Islands

摘要

Inter-annual variability in the diet of Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica) at Laurie Island (South Orkney Islands) and 25 de Mayo/King George and Nelson Islands (South Shetland) was examined based on stomach contents of adults during the 2002/2003-2006/2007 and 2002/ 2003-2004/2005 breeding seasons, respectively. Krill (Eup-hausia superba) dominated the diet as frequency of occurrence (in 100% of samples), number (>99%), and percentage contribution in weight (>94.8%). Other prey items were minor and varied between years. The weight of stomach contents was significantly different.