Ecophysiological Observatory

1 - Long-term Ecophysiological Observatory

As in previous years, about forty pairs are monitored throughout the breeding season (from egg laying to the departure of the chicks). This annual monitoring allows us to establish a long-term observatory of the ecophysiological responses of these birds to their environment (climate, parasites, predation, colonial density). Among the characteristics routinely monitored are: morphometry, ornamentation, blood markers of physiological condition (oxidative stress, mitochondrial performance, stress hormones, telomere size), heart rate, and behaviour on land.

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2 - Thermal Stress Observatory

Observations made in recent years have shown that penguins are sensitive to heat episodes on land (behavioural changes, aggressiveness). In order to better understand how penguins react to hot weather, we have set up a monitoring system for a number of individuals using thermosensitive transponders. These transponders give an indication of the peripheral temperature of the birds, which we can then link to data on climate, behaviour or physiological status.

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3 - Antibody transmission

In collaboration with the 1151 ECOPATH polar program. This monitoring aims to better understand the maternal transmission of antibodies via the egg in the king penguin. The chicks of the pairs being monitored are captured at different stages of growth in order to assess the persistence of antibodies transmitted by their mother in their blood.