Comparative ecology of the six albatross species breeding on the Crozet Islands

Abstract

Six species of albatrosses breed sympatrically at the Crozet Islands. The population size, masses and measurements of adults, nesting habitats and coloniality, laying, hatching and fledging dates, duration of incubation and brooding shifts are compared. The growth of chicks, diets and feeding methods of the six species are reviewed. Their distribution in the south Indian Ocean is described in relation to the feeding frequency of chicks. Various aspects of ecological isolation among the species are analysed. Overlaps exist in the timing of breeding in the small albatrosses and to a lesser extent in their diet. Differences in the foraging zones at sea appear to be the most important factor in reducing interspecific competition. It is shown that the effective division of resources results from a relative scarcity of resources around the Crozet Islands. Finally the close interrelationship between foraging strategy, breeding biology, diet, chick growth and breeding frequency in the small albatrosses is demonstrated.