Dynamics of Subcolonies in the Adelie Penguin

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Adelie penguin colonies have an internal structure consisting of a variety of distinct subcolonies. These subcolonies increase or decrease in size relatively independent from variations in the colony as a whole. The purpose of this project is to investigate the dynamics of subcolony size at several large breeding colonies of Adelie penguins in the Ross Sea, and evaluate the factors that cause such variation. It is important to understand what causes these sometimes-contradictory patterns in order to understand the dynamics of penguin populations as a whole. Observations at the northern colony at Cape Bird indicate that ice conditions and disturbance by visitors are significant factors that affect subcolony size. These factors will be addressed specifically. In addition, methods of digital image analysis will be used to ease the process of counting penguins from aerial photos. This research will raise the sophistication of our understanding of penguin population dynamics and also introduce more automated methods for evaluating populations. Both these goals are of considerable importance to current major interests in Antarctic biology.