Abstract
In vertebrates, developmental conditions can affect not only fledging success but also the phenotype of the offspring, with potential long-term consequences on adult performance. However, surprisingly the potential impact of anthropogenic disturbance on developing chicks is rarely investigated, notably in Antarctic wildlife. In this study, we specifically investigated the effects of repeated nest visits, capture, and handling on offspring survival and several complementary offspring phenotypic traits in the Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea) chicks after thermal emancipation. We did not find any significant effect of our disturbance protocol on the morphology (body size, body mass, body condition), the physiology (breath rate, stress-induced corticosterone levels) and the behaviour (defense behaviour) of developing Snow Petrels. This specific disturbance protocol did not have any significant effect on chick survival, but there was a non-significant trend towards a lower survival for the disturbed group (p = 0.1006), which showed an especially high mortality during a period of repeated snow storms. To conclude, investigator disturbance seems to have little effect on Snow Petrel chicks after thermal emancipation, but to remain cautious, we recommend to avoid capture and handling of Snow Petrel chicks during or soon after inclement weather.
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Acknowledgements
Fieldwork was financially and logistically supported by the Institut Paul-Emile Victor (IPEV Programme 109) and the Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises. S. Dupont was supported by a grant from the Conseil Général des Deux-Sèvres and the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine. We are indebted to Alexandre Baduel and 3 fieldworkers for their assistance in the field.
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Dupont, S.M., Barbraud, C., Chastel, O. et al. Do repeated captures and handling affect phenotype and survival of growing Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea)?. Polar Biol 43, 637–646 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-020-02666-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-020-02666-7