MEPS 578:227-242 (2017)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12151

ABSTRACT: Individual specialisations have been suggested to improve foraging efficiency by optimising individual capacity (physiological and behavioural) and reducing intra-specific competition in exploiting prey resources. In this study, we investigated the inter- and intra-individual variation in behaviour in an opportunistic forager, the gentoo penguin Pygoscelis papua, at Kerguelen Island, southern Indian Ocean. We used complementary bio-logging and stable isotope analyses, coupled with morphometric measurements, to: (1) determine the inter-individual variation in morphology and foraging behaviour; (2) quantify intra-individual variation in foraging behaviour; (3) investigate the links between consistency in foraging, distances travelled and body condition; and (4) determine if dietary specialisations exist and are maintained outside the breeding season. We show that this species exhibits a large inter-individual variation in foraging behaviour, with some individuals conducting very short trips close to the colony while others travelled considerably farther. Heavier individuals tended to forage in more distant locations, dive deeper and perform more benthic dives. Individual specialisation in behaviour was low to moderate at the population level, yet some individuals were very consistent. The rate of travel was not influenced by consistency, and there was a lack of correlation between body condition and foraging consistency. High inter-individual variation in feeding ecology and dietary specialisations outside of a single breeding season were observed, consistent with gentoo penguins being Type ‘B’ generalists (i.e. generalist populations composed of individuals each consuming a different range of foods).

KEY WORDS: Behavioural consistency · Diving behaviour · Feeding ecology · Foraging behaviour · Individual specialisations · Pygoscelis papua · Stable isotopes

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Cite this article as: Camprasse ECM, Cherel Y, Bustamante P, Arnould JPY, Bost CA (2017) Intra- and inter-individual variation in the foraging ecology of a generalist subantarctic seabird, the gentoo penguin. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 578:227-242. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12151 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn