Effect of maternal foraging and breeding strategies on offspring quality in the Lesser black-backed gull: a field study

Cátia Santos; Marta Monteiro; Amadeu M. V. M. Soares; Susana Loureiro; Tom Larsen; Léa Blondel; Liesbeth De Neve; Luc Lens

doi:10.34624/captar.v6i1.13111

Cátia Santos Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Ghent University, Department of Biology & CESAM, Aveiro University
Marta Monteiro Department of Biology & CESAM, Aveiro University
Amadeu M. V. M. Soares Department of Biology & CESAM, Aveiro University
Susana Loureiro Department of Biology & CESAM, Aveiro University
Tom Larsen Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Ghent University
Léa Blondel Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Ghent University
Liesbeth De Neve Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Ghent University
Luc Lens Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Ghent University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34624/captar.v6i1.13111

Resumo

The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) is a seabird species with a high individual variation in foraging strategies and an ability to thrive in urban landscapes. As gulls become increasingly dependent on human
activities - and food resources - they also increase susceptibility of exposure to toxic substances through ingestion of contaminated food. This can reduce individual survival and impair reproductive success.
Additionally, adult birds may also pass these contaminant burdens to their offspring (e.g. via parental care, maternal deposition) which may also impair chick fitness. Known to induce neurological dysfunctions or alter behavioural displays in other bird populations, mercury (Hg) is one example of an environmental contaminant with the ability to be transferred to offspring by these mechanisms. [...]