Back to Search Start Over

The relationship between sea surface temperature and population change of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo breeding near Disko Bay, Greenland.

Authors :
White, Craig R.
Boertmann, David
Grémillet, David
Butler, Patrick J.
Green, Jonathan A.
Martin, Graham R.
Source :
Ibis; Jan2011, Vol. 153 Issue 1, p170-174, 0p, 1 Graph
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Arctic seas have warmed and sea ice has retreated. This has resulted in range contraction and population declines in some species, but it could potentially be a boon for others. Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo have a partially wettable plumage and seem poorly suited to foraging in Arctic waters. We show that rates of population change of Cormorant colonies around Disko Bay, Greenland, are positively correlated with sea surface temperature, suggesting that they may benefit from a warming Arctic. However, although Cormorant populations may increase in response to Arctic warming, the extent of expansion of their winter range may ultimately be limited by other factors, such as sensory constraints on foraging behaviour during long Arctic nights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00191019
Volume :
153
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Ibis
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
55613997
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2010.01068.x