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Abstract |
The demography and factors affecting the population dynamics of gadfly petrels (Pterodroma spp.) remain poorly known, although they constitute the most diverse genus of Procellariiformes and many species are threaten. Using a long-term individual monitoring dataset over 35 years, this study provides estimates of state-specific demographic parameters of the White-headed Petrel (Pterodroma lessonii) from Mayes Island, Kerguelen archipelago, and tests for the effects of environmental factors. Age at first breeding was 8.7 ± 2.6 years and apparent adult annual survival was 0.941 ± 0.058. Annual breeding probability was 0.356 ± 0.036 for successful breeders and 0.988 ± 0.054 for individuals that took a sabbatical year after a successful breeding event. Successful breeders that bred during two consecutive years had a lower breeding success (0.574 ± 0.048) that individuals that bred after a sabbatical year (0.655 ± 0.036). The realized population growth rate (1.073 ± 0.011) suggested that the population is increasing. There was a slight evidence for a positive effect of the Southern Annular Mode on the breeding probability of successful breeders, but no effect of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a or wind was detected on demographic parameters. This study revealed that White-headed Petrels had a particularly high adult survival coherent with a quasi-biennial strategy and late age at first breeding. According to life history theory, populations of White-headed Petrel are thus likely to be very sensitive to small variations in adult survival, and anthropogenic factors causing additive mortality such as introduced predators will constitute serious threats for this species. |
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