Falklands Conservation

NEWS DIGEST 5

For all of the species studied this year it was a good year in terms of reproductive success. The highest productivity ever recorded for species in the Islands was observed in Magellanic Penguins and all of the species mirrored this at certain sites. Significant inter-specific differences were seen between breeding sites, however this can be attributed to annual stochastic population fluctuations.

The diets of all the species varied markedly between sites, reflecting the variety of inshore habitats and prey types available to seabirds around the Falklands. A shift was seen in the diet of southern Magellnic and Gentoo Penguins throughout the breeding season from predominantly krill to fish in southern areas. Significantly larger body weights of both species were found at southern sampling sites compared to the north, which may be related to both the higher quality diet observed during chick rearing and also the higher productivity figures.

A 12-year review of the Seabird Monitoring Project goes on to make the following recommendations:

• Sites monitored should, wherever possible, be those classified as Important Bird Areas;
  
  
• Volunteer counts should be encouraged, particularly to monitor southern as well as northern Falkland populations;
  
  
• The census of Magellanic Penguins be completed to estimate a complete population figure for the Islands;
  
  
• Monitoring should be extended to assess foraging trip duration for all species.
  

Jeremy Smith (Conservation Officer) has recently prepared a report entitled 'Managing the Impacts of Tourism and Recreation at Gypsy Cove' in response to concerns that high levels of visitor pressure at that site may be harming the area's environment. Although the aim of the Report is to assist in developing an appropriate management strategy for Gypsy Cove, it is hoped that it will stimulate discussion on the wider issue of site protection in the Falklands generally, and the protection of Cape Pembroke Peninsula in particular.

The recommendations of the Report are:

• A road or all weather track be constructed between Gypsy Cove and May Hill Quarry with appropriate passing and parking spaces so as to avoid any need to drive off road.
  
  
• A gate be constructed at the fence above the beach to facilitate easier access for visitors who find the stile difficult to use.
  
  
• Consideration be given to the construction of simple footpaths between the points of access to the beach area and the optimum locations for viewing birds from a distance.
  
  
• A Warden be present on cruise ship visit days, who would monitor visitor behaviour and provide advice and guidance as appropriate.
  
  
• A leaflet be prepared specifically for the Gypsy Cove colony of Magellanic penguins which, along with general visitors guidelines appropriate to all wildlife sites in the Islands, should be available to all visitors.
  
  
• Display/interpretative boards be prepared which summarise site information and guidelines for appropriate behaviour.
  
  
• The responsibility for management of the area be clarified.
  
  
• The site be monitored and a report produced annually.

It would be preferred that any 'rules and regulations' introduced to reduce the problems, are simple, require minimal bureaucracy and that as far as possible do not infringe on 'traditional' freedom.

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