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Population dynamics of seabirds in the Firth of Clyde

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

P. Monaghan  and
B. Zonfrillo
P. Monaghan
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland
B. Zonfrillo
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland
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Synopsis

Marked interspecific differences in recent population trends have been recorded for seabirds breeding in the Firth of Clyde. Auk populations have remained comparatively stable, while considerable reductions have taken place in tern and kittiwake numbers. Shags, cormorants, gannets and great black-backed gulls have all increased, as have fulmars and herring gulls. The striking increases in the latter two species are considered in detail. To some extent, these population changes can be related to differences in the feeding ecology of the various seabirds; in particular the variation in the number of breeding terns is related to variation in food availability.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 90: The Environment of the Estuary and Firth of Clyde , 1986 , pp. 363 - 375
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1986

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