Responses of an Antarctic Southern Giant Petrel Population to Climate Change

Abstract

e comprehension of species responses to climate change is one of our present ecological challenges. is paper aims to evaluate the demographic responses of a Southern Giant Petrel population according to climate factors. We used a Multi-State Mark-Recapture method to estimate survival from breeder and non-breeder, and transition rates. Breeder survival response to Southern Oscillation Index, Antarctic Oscillation Index and temperature. Non breeder survival response to Southern Oscillation Index and temperature and Desertion rate with response to Temperature only in summer. Southern Giant Petrels are associated with warmer sea conditions. No recent decrease caused by climate factors can be expected under the scenario of warming in Antarctic Peninsula, and actual population size makes this assumption reasonable.