Study of avian migration patterns using stable isotope analysis in the Galite Archipelago, Tunisia
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This research employed stable isotope analysis to investigate the migratory patterns and geographic origins of the Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae) and its associated prey species within the Galite Archipelago, Tunisia. Feathers collected from both juvenile and adult falcons, along with their prey, were analysed for deuterium isotopic composition using the "Isorix" package in R, which facilitated the geographic assignment based on stable isotope ratios. The results demonstrated no significant difference in deuterium values (δ2H) between adult and juvenile falcons, indicating a lack of geographical variation in moulting locations among the different age groups. However, the isotopic data for adult falcons yielded unexpected results, suggesting origins close to the sampling site, which contradicted the anticipated migratory patterns to distant wintering grounds. Furthermore, the study successfully mapped the origins of various prey species, indicating a broad geographic intake ranging from the Mediterranean to southern Scandinavia. These findings highlight the complexity of migratory behaviours in predatory birds and underscore the efficacy of stable isotope analysis as a tool for ecological research in avian migration studies.
Source: TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
Language: English
Topic: Isotope Analysis in Ecology
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402343654