The consequences of chaos: Foraging activity of a marine predator remains impacted several days after the end of a storm.

ABSTRACT: As extreme weather is expected to become more frequent with global climate change, it is crucial to evaluate the capacity of species to respond to short-term and unpredictable events. Here, we examined the effect of a strong storm event during the chick-rearing stage of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) from a mega colony in southern Australia. We investigated how a 3-day storm affected the foraging behaviour of little penguins by comparing their foraging activities and body mass change before, during and after the storm event. As strong winds deepened the mixed layer in the birds' foraging zone during the storm, penguins increased their foraging trip duration, had a lower prey encounter rate and a lower body mass gain. The adverse effects on the foraging efficiency of little penguins cont

SUBMITTER: Barreau E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8270419 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature