Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Environmental Studies
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:30 PM
Description
Under the direction of Dr. Glenda Hevia, School for Field Studies, Chile Coordinated by Dr. Renee Godard Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are culturally and ecologically significant seabirds that are found in southern South America. Our study aimed to observe the behaviors of Magellanic penguins in a small breeding colony located at Magdalena Island in the Strait of Magellan, Patagonia, Chile. We observed 81 penguins over three continuous days in November 2024 to analyze how environmental and anthropogenic factors impact adult penguins. Behavioral metrics included time spent in burrows, proportion of time active, and vocalizations. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive relationship between burrow distance from the walking path and penguin activity levels, suggesting subtle impacts of tourism on behavior. while our other 11 relationships examined showed no significant effects. These findings indicate that although Magellanic penguins exhibit general tolerance to human activity, proximity to tourist walking paths may influence their behavior. Further research, incorporating larger sample sizes and physiological measurements, is needed to assess the long-term effects of tourism and environmental changes on this near-threatened species. In addition, effective conservation strategies are critical to mitigate the current population decline at this penguin colony.
Behavioral Responses of Magellanic Penguins at their Breeding Colony on Magdalena Island
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Under the direction of Dr. Glenda Hevia, School for Field Studies, Chile Coordinated by Dr. Renee Godard Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are culturally and ecologically significant seabirds that are found in southern South America. Our study aimed to observe the behaviors of Magellanic penguins in a small breeding colony located at Magdalena Island in the Strait of Magellan, Patagonia, Chile. We observed 81 penguins over three continuous days in November 2024 to analyze how environmental and anthropogenic factors impact adult penguins. Behavioral metrics included time spent in burrows, proportion of time active, and vocalizations. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive relationship between burrow distance from the walking path and penguin activity levels, suggesting subtle impacts of tourism on behavior. while our other 11 relationships examined showed no significant effects. These findings indicate that although Magellanic penguins exhibit general tolerance to human activity, proximity to tourist walking paths may influence their behavior. Further research, incorporating larger sample sizes and physiological measurements, is needed to assess the long-term effects of tourism and environmental changes on this near-threatened species. In addition, effective conservation strategies are critical to mitigate the current population decline at this penguin colony.