Population size, breeding biology and on-land threats of Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) in Fogo Island, Cape Verde

Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) is currently considered near threatened, but little is known about its population size, breeding biology and on land threats, jeopardizing its management and conservation. To improve this situation, we captured, marked and recaptured (CMR) birds using mist-nets over 10 years; measured and sexed them; monitored up to 14 burrows, deployed GPS devices on breeders and analyzed activity data of geolocators retrieved from breeders in Fogo (Cape Verde). We set cat traps over the colony and investigated their domestic/feral origin by marking domestic cats from a nearby village with transponders, by deploying GPS devices on domestic cats and by performing stable isotope analyses of fur of the trapped and domestic cats. The population of Fogo was estimated to be 293 birds, including immatures (95% CI: 233-254, CMR modelling). Based on geolocator activity data and nest monitoring we determined the breeding phenology of this species and we found biometric differences between sexes. While monitoring breeding performance, we verified a still ongoing cat predation and human harvesting. Overall, data gathered from trapped cats without transponder, cats GPS trips and the distinct isotopic values between domestic and trapped cats suggest cats visiting the colony are of feral origin. GPS tracks from breeders showed birds left and returned to the colony using the sector NE of the islands, where high level of public lights should be avoided specially during the fledging period. Main threats for the Cape Verde petrel in the remaining breeding islands are currently unknown but likely to be similar to Fogo, calling for an urgent assessment of population trends and the control of main threats in all Cape Verde Islands and uplisting its conservation status

Year-round individual specialization in the feeding ecology of a long-lived seabird

Many generalist species are composed of individuals varying in the size of their realized niches within a population. To understand the underlying causes and implications of this phenomenon, repeated samplings on the same individuals subjected to different environmental conditions are needed. Here, we studied individual specialization of feeding strategies in breeding and non-breeding grounds of Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) for 2-8 years, and its relationship with fitness. Individuals were relatively flexible in non-breeding destinations, but specialized in diet, habitat use and daily activity across years. Daily activity was also consistent throughout the year for the same individual, suggesting that it is driven by individual constraints, whereas individual diet and habitat use changed between breeding and non-breeding grounds, indicating that these specializations may be learned at each area. Moreover, individuals that were intermediate specialized in their diet tended to show higher breeding success than those with weakly and highly specialized diets, suggesting stabilizing selection. Overall, this study suggests that the development of individual specialization is more flexible than previously thought, i.e. it emerges under specific environmental conditions and can develop differently when environmental conditions vary. However, once established, individual specialization may compromise the ability of individuals to cope with environmental stochasticity

Sea surface temperature, rather than land mass or geographic distance, may drive genetic differentiation in a species complex of highly dispersive seabirds

Seabirds, particularly Procellariiformes, are highly mobile organisms with a great capacity for long dispersal, though simultaneously showing high philopatry, two conflicting life-history traits that may lead to contrasted patterns of genetic population structure. Landmasses were suggested to explain differentiation patterns observed in seabirds, but philopatry, isolation by distance, segregation between breeding and nonbreeding zones, and oceanographic conditions (sea surface temperatures) may also contribute to differentiation patterns. To our knowledge, no study has simultaneously contrasted the multiple factors contributing to the diversification of seabird species, especially in the gray zone of speciation. We conducted a multilocus phylogeographic study on a widespread seabird species complex, the little shearwater complex, showing highly homogeneous morphology, which led to considerable taxonomic debate. We sequenced three mitochondrial and six nuclear markers on all extant populations from the Atlantic (lherminieri) and Indian Oceans (bailloni), that is, five nominal lineages from 13 populations, along with one population from the eastern Pacific Ocean (representing the dichrous lineage). We found sharp differentiation among populations separated by the African continent with both mitochondrial and nuclear markers, while only mitochondrial markers allowed characterizing the five nominal lineages. No differentiation could be detected within these five lineages, questioning the strong level of philopatry showed by these shearwaters. Finally, we propose that Atlantic populations likely originated from the Indian Ocean. Within the Atlantic, a stepping-stone process accounts for the current distribution. Based on our divergence time estimates, we suggest that the observed pattern of differentiation mostly resulted from historical and current variation in sea surface temperatures

Individual specialization in foraging and migration strategies in long-lived seabirds

[eng] Individual specialization refers to individuals using different portions of the total ecological niche of the population. The fact that individuals segregate into different strategies has important implications on ecology, evolution and conservation, which can be even greater than the implications associated to differences among species. Therefore, it is important to know the degree of individual specialization in wild populations and in what dimensions of individuals’ ecological niche it occurs. Similarly, to understand the processes underlying individual specialization, it is key to study intrinsic drivers and environmental conditions that lead individuals to segregate into different portions of the ecological niche. In this thesis, we aimed to delve into the extent of individual specialization in foraging and migration strategies, as well as to provide insights on the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers that shape it. We used two long-lived seabird species, Cory’s (Calonectris borealis) and Scopoli’s (C. diomedea) shearwaters, to study individual specialization in feeding and migratory traits by using stable isotope analyses, global location sensing (GLS) and global positioning system (GPS) loggers. In this thesis, we showed that individuals specialize in several aspects of the ecological niche, namely diet, foraging and wintering grounds, habitat use, daily habits and foraging movements. However, in none of these traits individuals showed high levels of specialization, thus suggesting a stabilizing selection in specialization levels. Regarding intrinsic drivers, our results elucidate that males and females can differ in their degree of individual specialization in diet and foraging movements. These differences were probably driven by a higher use of males on fishery discards. We also showed that the same individual can develop different strategies under different habitats, indicating individual foraging strategies are likely learned with experience when individuals are young and not driven by intrinsic constraints, such as physiological or morphological constraints. Regarding the extrinsic drivers, we provide evidences that resource scarcity is more relevant in driving among-individual variability in foraging movements than resource predictability. Overall, in this thesis we demonstrate that the extent of individual specialization within populations can depend on several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and that individual specialization is a complex phenomenon that can vary across species and ecological traits. The fact that individuals can develop different strategies independently in different areas indicates a remarkable plasticity that may help them to cope with future natural or anthropogenic changes in the environment

Population size, breeding biology and on-land threats of Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) in Fogo Island, Cape Verde

Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) is currently considered near threatened, but little is known about its population size, breeding biology and on land threats, jeopardizing its management and conservation. To improve this situation, we captured, marked and recaptured (CMR) birds using mist-nets over 10 years; measured and sexed them; monitored up to 14 burrows, deployed GPS devices on breeders and analyzed activity data of geolocators retrieved from breeders in Fogo (Cape Verde). We set cat traps over the colony and investigated their domestic/feral origin by marking domestic cats from a nearby village with transponders, by deploying GPS devices on domestic cats and by performing stable isotope analyses of fur of the trapped and domestic cats. The population of Fogo was estimated to be 293 birds, including immatures (95% CI: 233-254, CMR modelling). Based on geolocator activity data and nest monitoring we determined the breeding phenology of this species and we found biometric differences between sexes. While monitoring breeding performance, we verified a still ongoing cat predation and human harvesting. Overall, data gathered from trapped cats without transponder, cats GPS trips and the distinct isotopic values between domestic and trapped cats suggest cats visiting the colony are of feral origin. GPS tracks from breeders showed birds left and returned to the colony using the sector NE of the islands, where high level of public lights should be avoided specially during the fledging period. Main threats for the Cape Verde petrel in the remaining breeding islands are currently unknown but likely to be similar to Fogo, calling for an urgent assessment of population trends and the control of main threats in all Cape Verde Islands and uplisting its conservation status

Population size, breeding biology and on-land threats of Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) in Fogo Island, Cape Verde

Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) is currently considered near threatened, but little is known about its population size, breeding biology and on land threats, jeopardizing its management and conservation. To improve this situation, we captured, marked and recaptured (CMR) birds using mist-nets over 10 years; measured and sexed them; monitored up to 14 burrows, deployed GPS devices on breeders and analyzed activity data of geolocators retrieved from breeders in Fogo (Cape Verde). We set cat traps over the colony and investigated their domestic/feral origin by marking domestic cats from a nearby village with transponders, by deploying GPS devices on domestic cats and by performing stable isotope analyses of fur of the trapped and domestic cats. The population of Fogo was estimated to be 293 birds, including immatures (95% CI: 233-254, CMR modelling). Based on geolocator activity data and nest monitoring we determined the breeding phenology of this species and we found biometric differences between sexes. While monitoring breeding performance, we verified a still ongoing cat predation and human harvesting. Overall, data gathered from trapped cats without transponder, cats GPS trips and the distinct isotopic values between domestic and trapped cats suggest cats visiting the colony are of feral origin. GPS tracks from breeders showed birds left and returned to the colony using the sector NE of the islands, where high level of public lights should be avoided specially during the fledging period. Main threats for the Cape Verde petrel in the remaining breeding islands are currently unknown but likely to be similar to Fogo, calling for an urgent assessment of population trends and the control of main threats in all Cape Verde Islands and uplisting its conservation status

Latitudinal exposure to DDTs, HCB, PCBs, PBDEs and DP in giant petrels (Macronectes spp.) across the Southern Ocean

Studies on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Antarctic wildlife are scarce, and usually limited to a single locality. As a result, wildlife exposure to POPs across the Southern Ocean is poorly understood. In this study, we report the differential exposure of the major southern ocean scavengers, the giant petrels, to POPs across a wide latitudinal gradient. Selected POPs (PCBs, HCB, DDTs, PBDEs) and related compounds, such as Dechlorane Plus (DP), were analyzed in plasma of southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) breeding on Livingston (62°S 61°W, Antarctica), Marion (46°S 37°E, sub-Antarctic), and Gough (40°S 10°W, cool temperate) islands. Northern giant petrels (Macronectes halli) from Marion Island were also studied. Stable isotope ratios of C and N (δC and δN) were used as dietary tracers of the marine habitat and trophic level, respectively. Breeding locality was a major factor explaining petrel exposure to POPs compared with species and sex. Significant relationships between δC values and POP burdens, at both inter- and intra-population levels, support latitudinal variations in feeding grounds as a key factor in explaining petrel pollutant burdens. Overall, pollutant levels in giant petrels decreased significantly with latitude, but the relative abundance (%) of the more volatile POPs increased towards Antarctica. DP was found at negligible levels compared with legacy POPs in Antarctic seabirds. Spatial POP patterns found in giant petrels match those predicted by global distribution models, and reinforce the hypothesis of atmospheric long-range transport as the main source of POPs in Antarctica. Our results confirm that wildlife movements out of the polar region markedly increase their exposure to POPs. Therefore, strategies for Antarctic wildlife conservation should consider spatial heterogeneity in exposure to marine pollution. Of particular relevance is the need to clarify the exposure of Antarctic predators to emerging contaminants that are not yet globally regulated.CSIC andMAGRAMA(projectsEG042010and14CAES001)are acknowledgedforallthe financial supportforthisstudy.Roscales, J.L., acknowledgeshiscontractunderproject14CAES001.Logistical support and financial fundingduring field workwasprovidedby the SouthAfricanDepartmentofEnvironmentAffairs,throughthe South AfricanNationalAntarcticProgramme,andprojects CGL2006-01315/BOS,POL2006-06635,CGL2009-11278/BOSfrom Ministerio deEducaciónyCienciaandMinisteriodeCienciaeIn- novaciónfromtheSpanishGovernament.RobRonconiaandAntje Steinfurthareacknowledgedfortheirhelpduringthe field workin Gough andMarionIslands.AuthorsalsothankAntonioQuesado and GilDelgadofortheirsupportinlogisticsandsamplingin Byers.ThegraphicalabstractwasillustratedbyOlgadeDios.We would liketospeciallythankherdedicationandenthusiasminthe outreach ofourresearchwhichisofoutmostimportanceinour field.Peer Reviewe

Population size, breeding biology and on-land threats of Cape Verde petrel (<i>Pterodroma feae</i>) in Fogo Island, Cape Verde

<div><p>Cape Verde petrel (<i>Pterodroma feae</i>) is currently considered near threatened, but little is known about its population size, breeding biology and on land threats, jeopardizing its management and conservation. To improve this situation, we captured, marked and recaptured (CMR) birds using mist-nets over 10 years; measured and sexed them; monitored up to 14 burrows, deployed GPS devices on breeders and analyzed activity data of geolocators retrieved from breeders in Fogo (Cape Verde). We set cat traps over the colony and investigated their domestic/feral origin by marking domestic cats from a nearby village with transponders, by deploying GPS devices on domestic cats and by performing stable isotope analyses of fur of the trapped and domestic cats. The population of Fogo was estimated to be 293 birds, including immatures (95% CI: 233–254, CMR modelling). Based on geolocator activity data and nest monitoring we determined the breeding phenology of this species and we found biometric differences between sexes. While monitoring breeding performance, we verified a still ongoing cat predation and human harvesting. Overall, data gathered from trapped cats without transponder, cats GPS trips and the distinct isotopic values between domestic and trapped cats suggest cats visiting the colony are of feral origin. GPS tracks from breeders showed birds left and returned to the colony using the sector NE of the islands, where high level of public lights should be avoided specially during the fledging period. Main threats for the Cape Verde petrel in the remaining breeding islands are currently unknown but likely to be similar to Fogo, calling for an urgent assessment of population trends and the control of main threats in all Cape Verde Islands and uplisting its conservation status.</p></div

Cross-cultural adaptation, validation and reliability of the spanish satisfaction with daily occupations-occupational balance (Sdo-ob) : An evaluation tool for people with mental disorders

Occupation can be defined as all activities that occupy a person’s time. The Satisfaction with Daily Occupations and Occupational Balance instrument evaluates the perceived satisfaction with performance and the balance in time dedicated to different occupations. The main aim was to translate the original instrument to Spanish and examine and establish the psychometric properties. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted in two stages: translation and cultural adaptation (forward translation, expert panel, back-translation, second expert panel and pre-testing and cognitive interviewing) and collecting data to evaluate psychometric properties (homogeneity, construct validity, known-groups validity, and floor/ceiling effects). One hundred participants took part in the study, adults with a diagnosis of a mental health disorder and adults without any known health problems. The Spanish version showed known-groups validity, acceptable internal consistency, and construct validity, although the relationships with some of the indicators of discriminant validity were somewhat higher than expected. The instrument shows promise as a useful screening tool for assessing activity level and satisfaction with daily occupations among a Spanish speaking population

Year-round individual specialization in the feeding ecology of a longlived seabird

Este artículo contiene 12 páginas, 5 figuras, 1 tabla.Many generalist species are composed of individuals varying in the size of their realized niches within a population. To understand the underlying causes and implications of this phenomenon, repeated samplings on the same individuals subjected to different environmental conditions are needed. Here, we studied individual specialization of feeding strategies in breeding and non-breeding grounds of Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) for 2–8 years, and its relationship with fitness. Individuals were relatively flexible in non-breeding destinations, but specialized in diet, habitat use and daily activity across years. Daily activity was also consistent throughout the year for the same individual, suggesting that it is driven by individual constraints, whereas individual diet and habitat use changed between breeding and non-breeding grounds, indicating that these specializations may be learned at each area. Moreover, individuals that were intermediate specialized in their diet tended to show higher breeding success than those with weakly and highly specialized diets, suggesting stabilizing selection. Overall, this study suggests that the development of individual specialization is more flexible than previously thought, i.e. it emerges under specific environmental conditions and can develop differently when environmental conditions vary. However, once established, individual specialization may compromise the ability of individuals to cope with environmental stochasticity.L. Zango was supported by a PhD grant from the Spanish government (Formación de Profesorado Universitario; FPU15/01927). J.M. Reyes-González was supported by a PhD grant from the Spanish government (Formación de Profesorado Universitario; AP2009–2163). T. Militão was supported by a Ph.D. Grant (SFRH/BD/47467/2008) from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Portugal). R. Ramos was supported by postdoctoral contracts of the PLEAMAR (2017/2349) and Ramón y Cajal (RYC-2017–22055) programs from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the Spanish Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MINECO), respectively. Z. Zajková was supported by a PhD Grant from University of Barcelona (APIF/2012). We would like to thank everyone that participated in fieldwork in Veneguera and Montaña Clara from 2007 to 2015: R. Arizmendi, N. Pérez, A. Vulcano, M. Codina, J. Moreno, L. Stefan, E. Gómez-Díaz, J. Navarro, M. López, E. Rodríguez, I. De Diego, A. Soriano, M. Heus, M. Pastor, R. Manzano, H. Dinis, C. Astals, M. Smyrli, P. Serrano, J. Ferrer-Obiol, N. Gomes and I. García, I. Díaz, M. Cruz and C. Soria. Pascual Calabuig and Loly Estévez provided invaluable logistic support every year in Gran Canaria. We are especially grateful with V. Morera-Pujol, Daniel Sol and Pascual López-López for their support and contribution at different stages of this work and Fernanda De Felipe for the molecular sexing analyses. This study was funded by MINECO, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CGL2006-01315/BOS, CGL2009-11278/BOS, CGL2013-42585-P and CGL2016-78530-R) from the Spanish government and Fondos FEDER, and Research Executive Agency (European Commission, FP7- PEOPLE-2013-CIG, 618841).Peer reviewe