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A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 26865

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Georgios Karris

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Guest Editor

Animal Ecology, Department of Environment, Ionian University, Kerkyra, Greece
Interests: animal ecology; fisheries-seabirds interactions; Procellariiformes; colonial seabirds; breeding ecology; remote sensing; marine top predators; biomonitoring; at-sea distribution of seabirds; bird population trends
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Dr. Jorge M. Pereira

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Guest Editor

MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: animal movement; habitat modelling; marine spatial planning; seabird ecology; seabird-fishery interactions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to invite you to contribute to a Special Issue of the MDPI journal Diversity, an open access peer-reviewed journal, which has significantly contributed to the field since 2009. The title of this Special Issue is "Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds" and it aims to signify some of the fundamental elements of seabird ecology, environmental change and the cumulative impacts of anthropogenic activities on seabirds and their habitats.

Seabirds constitute a diverse group of 434 species across 9 orders and 18 families, spending part or all of their lives interacting with the ocean, e.g., by foraging and migrating over it. These generally long-lived birds are often threatened both on land and at sea by numerous factors, including invasive mammalian predators, by-catch incidental mortality in fishery gears, marine pollution and accumulation of plastics, overfishing, and extreme large-scale climatic phenomena. Seabirds are increasingly recognized as important bioindicators of marine ecosystems that are useful in assessing environmental disturbance and the effects of climate change on the marine biota. Consequently, they are used as key species in conservation and management planning.

We encourage submissions of original research or review articles that cover a wide range of seabird species, as well as methods of conservation and management. The manuscripts may address population dynamics, at-sea distribution patterns, including foraging movements and migration; roles of seabirds in communities and food webs; fisheries-seabirds interactions including both negative (by-catch mortality) and positive (provision of discards) effects, evaluation of human-induced impacts (e.g., invasive species, organic and inorganic pollutants, light pollution), and the seabird population response to climate and related environmental change.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

Population dynamics and the relationship with the marine environment;
Fisheries–seabirds interactions;
At-sea distribution including foraging movements and migration;
The role of seabirds in communities and food webs;
Climate and weather effects on seabirds;
Organic and inorganic pollution effects on seabirds;
Human-induced impacts on seabirds;
The use of seabirds as bioindicators of marine ecosystem;
Seabird conservation.

Dr. Georgios Karris
Dr. Jorge M. Pereira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

seabird conservation
marine ecosystem
seabirds as bioindicators
human-induced impacts
pollution and climate effects
food webs
population dynamics
fisheries–seabirds interactions
migration

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 6603 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Aspects of Breeding Performance of Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea): The Case of the Largest Colony in Greece

by Georgios Karris, Stavros Xirouchakis, Konstantinos Poirazidis, Marios-Dimitrios Voulgaris, Anastasia Tsouroupi, Spyros Sfenthourakis and Sinos Giokas

Diversity 2024, 16(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030150 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1987

Abstract

Here we report, for the first time, aspects of the breeding performance of Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) in one of its largest colonies in Europe, i.e., in the Strofades island group. We describe the chronology of the main events in the breeding cycle of this species on Stamfani Island, the largest island of this island group, including the evaluation of breeding performance and the influence of ecological factors (nesting habitat, nest type, nest-entrance orientation, and occupation rate per nest) on breeding success. The Scopoli’s Shearwater colony of Stamfani Island exhibited a high degree of breeding synchrony and nest site tenacity. The data obtained by monitoring 472 nests during five consecutive years (2008–2012), showed a breeding success (fledging per occupied nest per year) of up to 66.6%. In addition, hatching success (chick hatched successfully per egg laid) was 76.9%, and fledging success (fledging young per chick hatched successfully) was 86.8%. We also observed annual variations in breeding performance during that period. These results seemed to be influenced positively by the breeding experience of the pair. Furthermore, the type of nest site and the nest-entrance orientation were found to have an effect on breeding success rates, whereas the nesting habitat did not, indicating low predation risk by rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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11 pages, 10108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Status of Marine Debris Damage to Adult and Young Black-Tailed Gulls (Larus crassirostris) in Their Breeding Colonies in South Korea

by Mi-Jin Hong, Seongho Yun, Min-Seung Yang, Hye-Jeong Jeon, Jeong-Chil Yoo and Who-Seung Lee

Diversity 2024, 16(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16020124 - 15 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1595

Abstract

Marine debris from fishing-related paraphernalia poses a threat to the survival of marine organisms, especially seabirds. Although the detrimental effects of marine debris on seabirds have been documented, studies on the extent of damage inflicted by marine debris on the seabird breeding population are scarce. Here, marine debris ingestion and entanglement damage to black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) residing in South Korea were quantified. The five breeding colonies of black-tailed gulls were visited, and the frequency of ingestion and entanglement damage in adults and young were recorded. A total of 25 cases of marine debris damage were confirmed. As a result, damage by marine debris to gulls varied depending on breeding colonies. More adults suffered from entanglement damage than the young, and their most damaged parts were usually their legs. Fishing lines and hooks caused the most damage. We suggest that marine debris damage acquired in breeding colonies could affect breeding success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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19 pages, 2298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gulls as Indicators of Environmental Changes in the North Atlantic: A Long-Term Study on Berlenga Island, Western Portugal

by Filipe R. Ceia, Nathalie C. Silva, Vitor H. Paiva, Lurdes Morais, Ester A. Serrão and Jaime A. Ramos

Diversity 2023, 15(11), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15111148 - 18 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1668

Abstract

In recent decades, the breeding populations of the yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis (YLG) have increased significantly, primarily due to the increase in open refuse dumps and discards from fisheries. Portugal’s largest YLG breeding colony is located on Berlenga Island, where population numbers have been monitored since 1974. The population grew exponentially until 1994, prompting the implementation of population control measures, including culling adult birds and eggs. A long-term data base including number of breeding birds (since 1974), breeding parameters (since 2002), and trophic niches (using stable isotopes since 2011) of YLG breeding on Berlenga was related with oceanographic parameters, fish landings and quantity of urban waste. Trophic ecology showed strong relationships with oceanographic parameters (wNAO, Chl-a, and SST) and fisheries landings (the 10 most frequently consumed species by the YLG, traded at fish auctions in the main fishing harbour nearby). The results indicated significant relationships between reproductive performance and fisheries landings, particularly with demersal species that gulls primarily access through fisheries discards. However, population control measures played a pivotal role in stabilising and even reducing the population, despite sporadic events of poor oceanographic productivity in the past decade having a consistent impact on the reduction in breeding individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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18 pages, 1382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nest Change and Individual Fitness in a Scopoli’s Shearwater Population: A Capture-Recapture Multistate Analysis

by Massimo Sacchi, Marco Zenatello, Francesco Pezzo, Mario Cozzo, Enrica Pollonara, Camilla Gotti, Adriano De Faveri and Nicola Baccetti

Diversity 2023, 15(6), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060718 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

Seabirds are compelled to nest on land, away from their feeding areas, which they can only reach by leaving eggs or chicks in the nest, often for long periods of time. For this reason, almost all of them have evolved social monogamy as a reproductive system, cooperation between partners for incubation and chick rearing, and long-lasting pair bonds. Additionally, nesting conditions are essential for successful reproduction, and the nest can be considered a resource if it provides more guarantees in this aspect. As a result, the nest may be a source of contention and intraspecific competition, especially among males. In this work, we analyze long-term data of the Scopoli’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) population to address the fitness consequences of nest change regarding survival and reproductive success. We used capture–recapture multistate models and the AICc model selection approach to test three hypotheses: breeding failure triggers nest change; nest change affects breeding success probability; nest change affects survival. Each year, about 5% of the breeders move to a new nest. For males, it was mainly a way to improve their breeding conditions and was observed in their early years as a breeder. Conversely, for females, it was a way to improve their reproductive performance by trying with a new mate after a failure. Males that changed nests improved their breeding success probability. Instead, in females, there was no causal relation between nest change and breeding success, the latter having been more influenced by the intrinsic quality of the female as a breeder. We did not even find a link between nest change and survival. Instead, we demonstrated that reproductive failure could affect the apparent survival of females, probably because it induces breeding dispersal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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11 pages, 16624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Status of the Globally Threatened Long-Tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis in the Northeast European Tundra

by Oleg Mineev, Yurij Mineev, Sergey Kochanov and Alexander Novakovskiy

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050666 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

Arctic Russia is home to more than 90% of all Long-tailed Ducks in the Clangula hyemalis species from the Western Siberia/Northern Europe population. The breeding population in European Russia was estimated to be about 5 million birds in the 1960s, while today, estimates have declined to 1 million birds. Up until now, the main reasons for the overall population decline of the Long-tailed Duck were related to wintering conditions in the Baltic Sea. Our data indicate that the loss or deterioration of key breeding habitats in the Arctic regions of Russia is one important factor influencing the rapid population decline. Many key breeding habitats of the Long-tailed Duck were completely lost in the Bolshezemelskaya tundra, as this area was transformed into major oil and gas extraction sites. The transformation of these sites increased the disturbance and oil pollution of adjacent habitats, leading to the direct loss of certain key nesting sites and a marked and rapid decline of the breeding population of the Long-tailed Duck in the Bolshezemelskaya tundra. Oil-spills during transportation by sea may also be an important factor of decline in the Long-tailed Duck population. Meanwhile, in the Malozemelskaya tundra, which did not experience oil and gas development, the breeding population over the last decades remained stable. Urgent establishment of new protections in key breeding areas in Arctic Russia, sustainable population management, and new research programs are necessary for the conservation and enhancement of this globally threatened species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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12 pages, 3921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breeding Population and Nesting Habitat of Skuas in the Harmony Point Antarctic Specially Protected Area

by Francisco Santa Cruz and Lucas Krüger

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050638 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2337

Abstract

Regular monitoring of breeding population abundance and environmental factors related to the nesting habitat has proven fundamental for seabird conservation. Harmony Point (Nelson Island) is an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) designated to manage and protect the high biological value of seabirds’ richness and abundance. However, due to the remote location of their breeding sites, many species lack updated population counts. Skuas (Catharacta sp.) exhibited a two-decade gap since the last census was conducted in Harmony Point. The abundance and spatial distribution of the nests of skuas were studied during the austral summer of 2019/2020. Through an exhaustive search, we counted and mapped active nests. Nesting habitat was assessed by the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle to take aerial pictures and build an orthomosaic image to determine vegetation in the area. Additionally, a digital elevation model was built to calculate a series of geomorphological-related variables. Suitability models were used to estimate the importance of variables to the nesting of skuas. A total of 71 brown skua (Catharacta antarctica) and 3 south polar skua (C. maccormicki) nests were counted. Two of the seven variables (terrain slope and vegetation cover) accounted for 57.5% ± 14.1% of the models’ variability; sun radiation incidence, and wind shielding were of secondary importance. Water flow accumulation, distance from penguin colonies, and terrain elevation were the least important variables. Skuas selected for nesting flat terrains (slope < 10°) with a vegetation cover of above 20%, slightly higher sun incidence (270 to 280 kW/h), and intermediary windshielding (45% to 55% of exposition). Considering previous estimates, the skua species at Harmony Point has kept an apparently stable population size over the last 25 years. However, expected changes in nesting habitat availability, i.e., increased snow-free area, increased wind intensity, changes in vegetation cover, and reduction of penguin populations, might change population size in the mid to long term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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14 pages, 2306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Breeding Yellow-Legged Gulls on Vegetation Cover and Plant Composition of Grey Dune Habitats

by Diogo Portela, Jorge M. Pereira, Lara R. Cerveira, Vitor H. Paiva and Jaime A. Ramos

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050589 - 24 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1865

Abstract

The establishment of large populations of yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis in coastal and urban areas can lead to strong changes in vegetation cover and composition through creating physical disturbance in the vegetation and impacting the soil quality through defecation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of breeding yellow-legged gull populations on tall and short vegetation cover and plant species composition in old (occupied for 13 years) and new (occupied for 3 years) colony sites in grey dunes of the Algarve, southern Portugal. In each site, sampling plots were used to measure the percentage of vegetation cover in areas with and without breeding gulls. In the old colony site, the cover by tall vegetation was substantially reduced and the cover by short vegetation substantially increased in the areas where gulls are breeding in comparison with the adjacent areas. In the new colony sites, there were only minor differences. The increase in cover of short vegetation in the breeding area of the old colony site was mostly by nitrophilous species (Paronychia argentea and Malcolmia littorea) and should be explained by the decrease in vegetation cover of tall plant species and by feces deposition. Tall and slow-growing species Suaeda maritima and Helichrysum italicum covers were negatively affected. Our results showed that yellow-legged gulls affected vegetation cover and composition of grey dunes after 3 years of consecutive breeding, and this should be considered in the management of these habitats where breeding yellow-legged gulls are increasing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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8 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Decreasing Trends of Chinstrap Penguin Breeding Colonies in a Region of Major and Ongoing Rapid Environmental Changes Suggest Population Level Vulnerability

by Lucas Krüger

Diversity 2023, 15(3), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030327 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

The bulk of the chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) global population inhabits the Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Sea, which is a region undergoing rapid environmental changes. Consequently, regional level decreases for this species are widespread. This study aimed to evaluate the level of breeding colony changes in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Orkney Islands, which, roughly, hold 60% of the global chinstrap penguin population. The results indicated that within a period of 40 to 50 years, 62% of colonies underwent decreases, and the majority of colonies experienced decreases over 50%, which is represented by numbers in the range of 2000 to 40,000 pairs. Within three generations’ time, the whole population for the area had experienced decreases of around 30%. These levels of decrease add to the fact that the suspected causes are not likely reversible in the short- to mid-term, calling for increased concern about the conservation of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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9 pages, 3579 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Antarctic Ecosystem Recovery Following Human-Induced Habitat Change: Recolonization of Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at Cape Hallett, Ross Sea

by Jong-U Kim, Youmin Kim, Younggeun Oh, Hyun-Cheol Kim and Jeong-Hoon Kim

Diversity 2023, 15(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15010051 - 1 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2171

Abstract

The human-induced disturbances in Antarctica have caused changes in the structure and function of ecosystems. The Cape Hallett station was established in 1957 and abandoned in 1973. The station was built inside a penguin colony, and during its operation, many penguins were deported. Herein, we compared the number of breeding pairs across different time periods after station decommission and environmental remediation. The station occupied 4.77 ha within the Adélie penguin breeding area, and 349 nests were identified inside the station border in 1960. In 1983, the station’s territory decreased to 4.2 ha; meanwhile, 1683 breeding pairs were counted in the old station area. The past station area re-inhabited by Adélie penguins had 6175 nests in 2019. We assumed that recolonization might be particularly related to artificial mounds. The results of the present study confirm the recolonization of Adélie penguins at Cape Hallett for the first time, with visual analysis of spatial-temporal changes. Additionally, we suggest that reconstruction of the artificial or enhanced habitat may be required for successful restoration. Furthermore, continuous species monitoring with specific notes are needed with management interventions to protect Antarctic ecosystems, as well as the Ross Sea region MPA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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12 pages, 1304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management of Marine Natura 2000 Sites as Exemplified by Seabirds Wintering in the Baltic Sea: The Case of Poland

by Dominik Marchowski, Łukasz Ławicki and Jacek Kaliciuk

Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14121081 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

Based on the example of wintering waterbirds in the Baltic Sea, we show an approach that is useful in defining priority species for management. The Value Factor (VF) is the quantitative method for evaluating the importance of an area for a species. Every year, 4,400,000 waterbirds winter in the Baltic. Among these, the highest priority species are velvet scoter Melanitta fusca (hereafter VS, VF = 153) and long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis (hereafter LTD, VF = 204): 74% and 40%, respectively, of the world’s populations, and over 90% of the EU populations of both species spend the winter in the Baltic. Management plans (hereafter MP) regulating the protection of marine Natura 2000 sites (hereafter MPA) and dedicated to the protection of VS and LTD have been implemented in 65% and 51%, respectively, of MPAs in the Baltic. Poland, a key country for the survival of these species, has not implemented a single MP despite the existence of documentation confirming their crucial importance for seaducks, and the pressures occurring there. We suggest using the VF concept to define priority species. On this basis, it will be possible to identify gaps in the protection of the most seriously threatened species and implement conservation measures at the most appropriate sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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14 pages, 4702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food versus Disturbance: Contradictory Effects of Human Activities on an Opportunistic Seabird Breeding in an Oligotrophic Marine System

by Rachael A. Carlberg, Georgios Karris, Manish Verma and Johannes Foufopoulos

Diversity 2022, 14(6), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060421 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3016

Abstract

The islands of the Aegean Sea are areas of high biodiversity and endemism and harbor globally important seabird communities. Resident seabirds breed on offshore islands, where they often form strong nesting colonies. Breeding seabirds are important determinants of an island’s ecosystem function while also being exposed to a plethora of human activities. Understanding how anthropogenic activities impact such populations is not just essential for seabird conservation but is also critically important for the management of small insular ecosystems and the native species communities they support. We quantify the effect of human activities on the size and locations of Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) colonies from the Cyclades and Sporades archipelagos. We gathered data on variables suspected to influence seabird colonies, including physical islet characteristics, resource availability, and type and extent of human disturbance. Analyses were conducted on the local (islet) and on the regional (island cluster) levels to identify proximate and ultimate factors shaping the breeding population sizes of resident colonies. On the local level, we identify a clear negative effect of the presence of invasive rats on gull nesting density. Similarly, the presence of feral grazing mammals such as goats and rabbits has negative impacts on gull populations, an effect that appears to be primarily mediated through nest disturbance. Access to landfills and fishing vessels both had positive impacts on gull nesting density. Our results suggest approaches to managing Yellow-legged Gull populations in the Mediterranean Basin by taking into consideration the roles of introduced mammals, fishing activities, and open-air landfills on seabirds in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of Seabirds)

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