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Published on: November 6, 2015
Corticosterone and foraging behavior in a pelagic seabird
Frédéric Angelier1, Scott A Shaffer, Henri Weimerskirch
1Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, F-79360 Villiers en Bois, France. angelier@cebc.cnrs.fr
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|March 29, 2007
Summary
Corticosterone (CORT) levels in wandering albatrosses correlate with foraging success and behavior. Lower post-trip CORT indicates better foraging, while higher pre-trip CORT may enhance long-distance travel.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Animal Behavior
- Marine Ecology
Background:
- Endocrine mechanisms are crucial for how long-lived seabirds adapt foraging to environmental changes.
- Corticosterone (CORT) is a key hormone linked to activity and stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between corticosterone levels and foraging success/behavior in wandering albatrosses.
- To understand how CORT influences foraging decisions in response to environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Satellite tracking and blood sampling were used on wandering albatrosses during incubation.
- CORT levels were measured before and after foraging trips.
- Foraging success was quantified by mass gain over trips.
Main Results:
- Plasma CORT levels decreased after foraging trips.
- Post-trip CORT levels negatively correlated with foraging success (mass gain).
- Pre-trip CORT levels positively correlated with daily distance traveled and maximum foraging range, independent of body mass.
Conclusions:
- CORT levels are sensitive to energy intake and foraging success in wandering albatrosses.
- Pre-trip CORT may facilitate increased locomotor activity for foraging.
- Further research with CORT manipulation is needed to confirm its role in mediating foraging decisions.
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