Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Temporal patterns of abundance and waste use by kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) at an urban and fishery waste site in northern coastal Patagonia, Argentina
Author(s)
Giaccardi, M; Yorio, P
Published
2004
Publisher
Ornitología Neotropical
Abstract
We quantified the use by Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) of urban and fishery waste sites at Puerto Madryn, Argentina, during 1996 and 1997. Kelp Gulls were present at all monthly counts made at both waste sites throughout the two years of the study. Total numbers of gulls in each month were high and variable, with a mean of 4724 and 4612 individuals in 1996 and 1997, respectively.. The mean number of gulls at the fishery waste site was significantly larger than at the urban waste site (3767 vs 901). Adult Kelp Gulls were significantly more abundant than non-adult gulls at every count at both die urban and fishery waste sites (mean = 811 vs 91 and 3147 vs 628, respectively). Among the younger age classes individuals in their third year were the least abundant. The proportion of adults with respect to total gulls present was high during all visits to both sites, although it showed a slight decrease in the fishery waste site during the breeding season. During the breeding season, the number of gulls varied significantly throughout the day at both sites while, during the non-breeding season, numbers varied significantly only in the urban waste site. The Puerto Madryn fishery waste site constitutes a more attractive food source than the urban waste site probably due to the higher quality and quantity of discarded food. The use of waste sites at Puerto Madryn may be enhancing gull breeding success and individual survival during the winter, particularly of young birds. Potential conflicts due to Kelp Gull use of waste sites and the effects on their populations could be minimized by adequate urban and fish waste management.
Keywords
HERRING GULL; DIET CHOICE; ARGENTATUS; AVAILABILITY; CONSTRAINTS; POPULATION; REFUSE; TIPS
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB11057