Pre-molt dispersal and use of marine protected areas by Southern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) at the southernmost oceanic regions of South America

Abstract

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial for conserving marine biodiversity, and assessing the effectiveness of boundaries in protecting marine species is essential. In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, four MPAs have been created. In this study we evaluate the use of these MPAs by Southern Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) that nest at Isla de los Estados, Argentina during the pre-molt period in February and March 2020 by combining geolocation sensor data and spatial analysis together with stable isotopes analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) to assess their spatial and trophic niches. We recaptured 16 of 25 adults to which loggers had been attached (64 % recapture rate, 6 females and 10 males). Penguins dispersed mainly southward and used the MPAs as corridors towards feeding area such as the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone (APFZ). We found no evidence of sex-specific spatial and trophic niche partitioning. To develop robust conservation strategies, future studies should span multiple years and enhanced sampling effort to comprehensively explore the pre-molt trophic ecology and at-sea distribution of Southern Rockhopper Penguins.