Energy requirements of Pygoscelid penguins: a synopsis

Abstract

Based on the results obtained during 3 Antarctic expeditions, which have been published or submitted in 31 manuscripts since 1989, I compiled in this synopsis the energy and food requirements of Adelie (Pygoscelis adeliae), Chinstrap (P. antarctica) and Gentoo (P. papua) penguins during the breeding season. For that purpose, I used data on microclimate, bird activity on land, the usage of fat reserves, and data on the energetic costs associated with swimming and resting in cold water (4 C). The different data as well as the results of the model were cross-checked with published data or results obtained through other experimental methods, i.e. hydrodynamic investigations on plastic-cast models in a circulating water tank or studies on live penguins using doubly-labelled water. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) of Adelie penguins on land concurred with data published in the literature. Although RMR of penguins in cold water was significantly lower than published values, calculation of penguin heat loss using these figures was matched by the results of Kooyman et al. (1976) who determined heat conductivity in penguin pelts. Similarly, cost of transport in penguins swimming under-water was significantly lower than published values for other penguin species. However my results were matched by those of a study on hydrodynamic properties of plastic-cast penguin models. Finally, calculations of the field metabolic rates of Adelie penguins using respirometry data and time-activity budgets doubly-labelled water study. (orig.)Printed version of a habilitation thesis submitted to and accepted by Mathematisch-Naturwisschenschaftliche Fakultaet of the University of Kiel. Orig.: Energy requirements of Pygoscelid penguins. Pt. 1: synopsisAvailable from TIB Hannover: RN 9219(150) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman