Skua and Penguin
Predator and Prey
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:22nd Aug '05
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A detailed ecological study which overturns current thinking about the relationship between these two species.
A detailed study of the feeding ecology and breeding biology of two associated Antarctic birds which provides evidence that the two species occur together as a consequence of limited breeding space rather than because of a distinct predator-prey relationship.Areas of barren rock and scree around the edge of Antarctica provide a breeding ground for two of the continent's most well-known species of bird: the south polar skua and the Adélie penguin. This book considers the relationship between these two species, taking as its study site Ross Island. Through detailed observations of the foraging ecology of the skua, the traditional view that skuas are totally dependent on penguin eggs and chicks for food is challenged. In addition, studies of the impact of skuas on penguin breeding and the extent to which the skua breeding cycle is functionally related to that of the penguin provide further evidence to suggest that the two species occur together independently as a consequence of limited breeding space, rather than as a result of a distinct predator-prey relationship.
"...will no doubt assist biologists and ornithologists in their research." Audubon Naturalist Society
"This well-written account details the predator-prey interrelationships between breeding Adélie penguins and South Polar skuas at Cape Bird on Ross Island, Antarctica. Every conceivable aspect of these interrelationships is treated...deserves a place on the shelf of all students of predator-prey relationships." Science & Technology
"This is probably the most detailed account of the interactions between any predator and its prey. Young and his team recorded the activities of skuas in tremendous detail...This is an important reference book for anyone working on penguins or skuas, and it will prove useful to other scientists interested in predator-prey dynamics." Kerry-Jane Wilson, Arctic Vol. 48.1 March 1995
"The overall result is that the reader can trust the conclusions brought forth....I recommend this book highly to anyone studying ecology of the antarctic fauna, predator-prey systems, and particularly for anyone beginning a study on a predator-prey relationship." Arctic and Alpine Research
"...provides a comprehensive summary of some interesting and useful data, and emphasizes the complexity of the skua-penguin association. Perhaps the main value of this lies in demonstrating that there is still great potential for novel and exciting research on this particular predator-prey system." Tony D. Williams, Quarterly Review of Biology
ISBN: 9780521018135
Dimensions: 244mm x 170mm x 25mm
Weight: 770g
472 pages