CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CHICK REARING PERIOD OF KING PENGUIN (APTENODYTES PATAGONICUS) IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO ISLAND

Abstract

The behaviors present during the breeding period in the population of chicks of King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) inhabited by the large island of Tierra del Fuego, during a study period from March 2014 to July 2017, are observed and recorded. The behavioral changes are evident in this population that is still emerging, which favor the success of the breeding period (raising without success until 2016) as the formation of nurseries, which would be promoting the increase of chicks that reach the stage of independence and initiating their food trips subsequently. There are no records of parenting behaviors for the population of Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego, so the appearances of some events are new behavioral developments in the place. Another factor that strongly influences the population are the dietary changes registered in the last year that have affected the regularization of the cycle concerning nearby islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Also, these changes in diet seem to influence the success of the breeding period of a significant number of chicks that become independent starting their trips to feed.