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The distribution, abundance and population trends of gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins in the Falkland Islands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

M. Bingham
M. Bingham
Affiliation:
Mike Bingham, PO Box 26, Falklands Conservation, Stanley, Falkland Islands.
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Abstract

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The Falkland Islands are a globally important breeding location for seabirds, including penguins. The total breeding populations of three of the four main penguin species present in the Falklands were censused in the austral summer of 1995/96. The results for gentoo and rockhopper penguins suggest declines of about 43 and 90 per cent, respectively, since a similar census in 1932/33. Recent monitoring studies suggest that these declines are still continuing; research to investigate causes (which is likely to reflect changes in the marine, rather than terrestrial environment) is a high priority. In contrast, king penguin populations, currently c. 400 pairs, have increased steadily, by 700 per cent since 1980/81, in line with world-wide trends for this species.

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 32 , Issue 3 , July 1998 , pp. 223 - 232
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1998

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