Effects of human disturbance on breeding Least and Crested Auklets at St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
January 1, 1990
We studied breeding success, chick growth, and diets of Least (Aethia pusilla) and Crested (A. cristatella) auklets on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, in summer 1987. Least Auklets had higher breeding success on control plots (50-66%) than on disturbed plots (36%). Crested Auklets had a breeding success of 42% on disturbed plots. Predation by microtine rodents and weather accounted for most natural chick mortality. Least Auklet chicks grew at a maximum rate of 4.9 g/day, and Crested Auklet chicks at 12.8 g/day. Least Auklet chicks were fed mostly copepods (Neocalanus plumchrus), whereas Crested Auklet chicks were fed Thysanoessa euphausiids.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Title | Effects of human disturbance on breeding Least and Crested Auklets at St. Lawrence Island, Alaska |
| DOI | 10.2307/4087618 |
| Authors | John F. Piatt, Bay D. Roberts, Wayne W. Lidster, John L. Wells, Scott A. Hatch |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | The Auk |
| Index ID | 70185104 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Alaska Science Center |