Spatial and temporal diet variability of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri) Penguin: a multi tissue stable isotope analysis

Abstract The Ross Sea, Antarctica, supports large populations of Emperor Penguin ( Aptenodytes forsteri ) and Adélie Pygoscelis adeliae ), two key meso-predators that occupy high trophic levels. Despite these species are largely studied, little is known about their diet outside the breeding period. In present study, we investigated intra-annual Penguins belonging to five colonies in Sea through stable isotope analysis different tissues (feathers shell membranes), synthetized seasons, guano indicates recent diet. samples prey (krill fish) were collected during Antarctic spring–summer. ? 13 C 15 N indicate spatio-temporal variation penguin krill consumption by was lowest winter except northernmost colony, where it always very high. It peaked spring remained prevalent summer. greatest contribution Penguin’s occurred relative fish both changed relation availability, which influenced seasonal sea ice dynamics, according life cycle phases. results highlight a strong plasticity Penguin, whose dietary variability has been already recognized, had not previously reported. Our findings can help understand how might react resource due climate change or anthropogenic overexploitation. Furthermore, data provides useful basis for future comparisons MPA planning conservation actions.