TOPOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS USED BY S OUTHERN GIANT PETREL Macronectes giganteus AT STINKER POINT, ELEPHANT ISLAND

The choice of breeding site is important for a seabird with consequences on the successful raising of its chicks. Seabirds may choose a breeding site taking into account many environmental and biological factors. This study aims to test the association of Southern Giant Petrel nests with topographical parametersat Stinker Point, Elephant Island. 33 Southern Giant Petrel nests were identified using a GPS receptor, and generated 33 random points. The points were plotted on a raster DEM and variables were extracted. We verified the nests were associated with terrain slope and altitude, and that Petrels were using the intermediary elevations (below 90 m) in plain terrains at Stinker Point. As there are also other variables that can influence habitat use, further analysis is needed to establish the exact role of topography on nesting habitat selection.