Experimental evidence for food limitation of egg production in gulls
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Published source details
Hiom L., Bolton M. & Monaghan P. (1991) Experimental evidence for food limitation of egg production in gulls. Ornis Scandinavica, 22, 94-97.
Published source details Hiom L., Bolton M. & Monaghan P. (1991) Experimental evidence for food limitation of egg production in gulls. Ornis Scandinavica, 22, 94-97.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food for gulls, terns and skuas to increase reproductive success Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food for gulls, terns and skuas to increase reproductive success
A replicated, controlled experiment in summer 1989 on Flat Holm and Skomer islands, south Wales (Hiom et al. 1991), found that lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus provided with supplementary food laid significantly larger clutches and eggs on Flat Holm but not on Skomer (2.7 eggs/clutch for 21 fed clutches vs. 2.4 eggs/clutch for 34 unfed clutches on Flat Holm; 2.9 for 23 fed clutches on Skomer vs. 2.7 for 42 unfed). Average clutch size of unfed gulls on Flat Holm was also lower in 1989 than in previous years, whilst unfed clutches on Skomer were similar to the national average. This suggests that the population on Flat Holm was to some extent food limited in 1989, although laying date did not differ between fed and unfed clutches. Birds were provided with 200 g of fish each day.
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