Body condition of stranded Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins in the Western Mediterranean

Author:

Trapletti‐Lanti Yada1ORCID,Expósito‐Granados Mónica1ORCID,López‐Martínez Sergio2ORCID,Torres Miguel3,Rivas Marga L.1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Science INMAR University of Cadiz Cadiz Spain

2. Department of Biology and Geology University of Almería Almería Spain

3. Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Sciences Universitat Politècnica de València Valencia Spain

Abstract

AbstractAnnual mass migrations of seabirds between their breeding and wintering grounds are critical for ensuring their survival and reproductive success. It is essential to comprehend their physical condition in order to identify the causes of death and to facilitate conservation efforts. This study focuses on evaluating the age, body condition index, and metabolites in liver and muscle (triglycerides, glycerol, glycogen, cholesterol, lactate, and glucose) of stranded Razorbills (n = 84) and Atlantic puffins (n = 11). The study was conducted along the Andalusian coast of Spain during the winter season of 2022–2023. The study examined the body condition of stranded individuals and their metabolic state to determine potential factors that may have caused their deaths. The study found that the majority of stranded individuals were juveniles. Both species exhibited low levels of carbohydrate (glucose and glycogen) in their tissues and high levels of lactate in their muscles. These findings could suggest that the individuals had undergone prolonged, strenuous exercise, demanding energy on anaerobic pathways, which may have been associated with migration. The study highlights the significance of adhering to standardized protocols when assessing the body condition of stranded seabirds. Doing so can help to identify causes of death and facilitate conservation efforts. A proposed index for body condition, which incorporates biometric measurements and individual physical condition, provides a comprehensive means of understanding the health of these unique species. This study underscores the importance of further research into the conservation measures and recommendations for protecting seabird populations. It is critical to comprehend the contributing factors of mass mortality incidents to work towards safeguarding these species and preserving their vital migration patterns.

Funder

European Commission

Publisher

Wiley

Reference77 articles.

1. Age, sex and origins of auks (Alcidae) killed in the Skagerrak oiling incident of January 1981;Anker‐Nilssen T.;Seabird,1988

2. Mass mortality of Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica off Central Norway, spring 2002: Causes and consequences;Anker‐Nilssen T.;Atlantic Seabirds,2003

3. Status, origin, and population level impacts of Atlantic Puffins killed in a mass mortality event in southwest Norway early 2016

4. Fit is fat: winter body mass of Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3