Papers by Katarzyna Zmudczyńska-Skarbek
Journal of Marine Systems, 2015
It is well recognized that seabirds, particularly those nesting in coastal colonies, can provide ... more It is well recognized that seabirds, particularly those nesting in coastal colonies, can provide significant nutrient enrichment to Arctic terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about the fate of bird-derived nutrients that return to the marine environment and potentially concentrate below the colonies. To attempt to assess the influence of this potential nutrient enrichment of the coastal benthic community, samples of macroalgae, sea urchins (mainly algivores), and hermit crabs (scavengers) were collected at two Arctic localities (Spitsbergen), (1) below a mixed colony of guillemots and kittiwakes, and (2) in an adjacent geomorphologically similar location not influenced by the seabird colony. A much higher nitrogen stable isotope ratio (δ 15 N) and total nitrogen content were found in terrestrial plants sampled below the colony than away from it. In benthic macroalgae, however, there were no δ 15 N differences. This might result from the timing of an intensive growth period in macroalgae in late winter/early spring, when there is little or no runoff from the land, and/or ornithogenic nutrients being directly incorporated by phytoplankton. Sea urchins showed higher δ 15 N and total N in the control site comparing to the colony-influenced area, suggesting differential food sources in their diet and a role of scavenging/ carnivory on higher trophic levels there. Opportunistically feeding hermit crabs showed δ 15 N and total N enrichment below the seabird colony, suggesting dependence on detritus derived from food chains originating from pelagic producers. Our results indicate that seabirds in the Arctic may fertilize coastal benthic communities through pelagic-benthic coupling, while having no direct impact on bottom primary production.
We studied the relative importance of several environmental factors for tundra plant communities ... more We studied the relative importance of several environmental factors for tundra plant communities in five locations across Svalbard (High Arctic) that differed in geographical location, oceanographic and climatic influence, and soil characteristics. The amount of marine-derived nitrogen in the soil supplied by seabirds was locally the most important of the studied environmental factors influencing the tundra plant community. We found a strong positive correlation between δ 15 N isotopic values and total N content in the soil, confirming the fundamental role of marine-derived matter to the generally nutrient-poor Arctic tundra ecosystem. We also recorded a strong correlation between the δ 15 N values of soil and of the tissues of vascular plants and mosses, but not of lichens. The relationship between soil δ 15 N values and vascular plant cover was linear. In the case of mosses, the percentage ground cover reached maximum around a soil δ 15 N value of 8‰, as did plant community diversity. This soil δ 15 N value clearly separated the occurrence of plants with low nitrogen tolerance (e.g. Salix polaris) from those predominating on high N content soils (e.g. Cerastium arcti-cum, Poa alpina). Large colonies of planktivorous little auks have a great influence on Arctic tundra vegetation, either through enhancing plant abundance or in shaping plant community composition at a local scale.
In the Arctic, areas close to seabird colonies are often characterized by exceptionally rich vege... more In the Arctic, areas close to seabird colonies are often characterized by exceptionally rich vegetation communities linked with the high nutrient subsidies transported by seabirds from the marine environment to the land. These areas also support soil invertebrate communities of which springtails (Collembola) often represent the most abundant and diverse group. Our study focused on springtail community composition in the vicinity of seabird (little auk, great skua and glaucous gull) nesting areas in different parts of Svalbard (Magdalenefjorden, Isfjorden and Bjørnøya), and on their comparison with adjacent areas not impacted by seabirds. Out of a total of 35 springtail species recorded,
seven were found only within the ornithogenically influenced sites. Although geographical location was the strongest factor differentiating these springtail communities, ornithogenic influence was also significant regardless of the location. When each location was considered separately, seabirds were responsible for a relatively small but strongly significant proportion (8.6, 5.2 and 3.9%, respectively, for each site) of total springtail community variability. Species whose occurrence was positively correlated with seabird presence were Folsomia coeruleogrisea, Friesea quinquespinosa, Lepidocyrtus lignorum and Oligaphorura groenlandica near Magdalenefjorden, Arrhopalites principalis, Folsomia bisetosella and Protaphorura macfadyeni in Isfjorden, and Folsomia quadrioculata on Bjørnøya.
Pol. Polar …, Jan 1, 2009
Polish Polar Research, 2009
Solar radiation reflectance was analysed to characterize Arctic ornithogenic tun− dra developing ... more Solar radiation reflectance was analysed to characterize Arctic ornithogenic tun− dra developing in the vicinity of large breeding colony of Brunnich's guillemots Uria lomvia and kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla at the foot of Gnålberget cliff (Hornsund, SW Spitsbergen). Radiometric method was found to be a useful tool for studying structure and functioning of plant formations. We measured reflectance of four wavelengths: 554 nm (YG), 655 nm (RED), 870 nm (NIR) and 1650 nm (SWIR) at 10 plots situated along the transect running from the colony to the sea. Moreover, data of plant community character, species quantitative composition as well as total biomass were collected to relate these pa− rameters with the spectral values. The results showed that radiometric data characterized vegetation well enough to recognize the same plant communities on the basis of spectral reflectance as distinguished with traditional phytosociological methods.
Ptaki morskie gniazdują w Arktyce w olbrzymich skupiskach. Co roku, pod− czas kilku miesięcy funk... more Ptaki morskie gniazdują w Arktyce w olbrzymich skupiskach. Co roku, pod− czas kilku miesięcy funkcjonowania kolonii lęgowych, transportują one bardzo duże ilości soli biogennych z morza na ląd i uznawane są za główny czynnik odpo− wiedzialny za wzbogacanie lądowej części ekosystemu arktycznego w materię organiczną pochodzenia morskiego. Jest to efekt depozycji, a następnie rozkładu guana, ale także pozostawiania w pobliżu kolonii resztek pokarmu, skorup jaj, piór i martwych osobników. Skład biogenów zależy od diety ptaków gniazdujących na danym obszarze. Odchody ptaków odżywiających się rybami różnią się od guana ptaków planktonożernych tym, że są bogatsze w fosfor. Jest to efekt znacznego udział tego pierwiastka w elementach kostnych ryb, stąd można się spodziewać jego wyższej zawartości również w glebie w pobliżu kolonii ptaków rybożernych. Można zatem założyć, że ptaki o odmiennej diecie będą inaczej kształtować eko− system tundry w zasięgu oddziaływania kolonii.
clear differences shown in selectivity for vineyards during the year correlate with the seasonal ... more clear differences shown in selectivity for vineyards during the year correlate with the seasonal availability of olives, a wellknown food resource during the coldest months, and confirm the suitability of this new method for describing seasonal variability in the use of available habitats at a broad spatial scale. According to the 'challenge hypothesis', steroid hormones are predicted to vary with mating system, degree of paternal care and aggression. We measured plasma concentrations of testosterone (T) and 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in two high arcticbreeding and closely-related shorebirds, the polygynous Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) and monogamous Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) to examine whether their androgen levels during breeding corroborated the predictions of the challenge hypothesis. Although males of both species had significantly higher levels of DHT and T than females, median Tlevels were 34 times greater in male Pectoral Sandpipers compared to only a 4.9 fold difference in the Semipalmated. Moreover, testosterone and DHT correlated in Semipalmated Sandpipers and in male, but not female, Pectoral Sandpipers. In Semipalmated Sandpipers, androgen levels were highest at the beginning of the breeding season and then declined, whereas they were sustained at extremely high levels throughout the season in Pectorals. In both species, androgen levels were independent of body condition. Several incubating male Semipalmated Sandpipers had high circulating levels of T, suggesting that low T is not necessarily a correlate of paternal care. Our results are consistent with the challenge hypothesis insofar as androgen concentrations were higher in the polygynous than monogamous species throughout the breeding season. Our study also supports previous studies finding that the extremely short breeding season in the high arctic, and the importance of male care in reproductive success, may be factors leading to behavioral insensitivity to T.
Pol. Polar Res, 2008
Ornithogenic tundra developing near large seabird colonies with its dense vegeta− tion creates si... more Ornithogenic tundra developing near large seabird colonies with its dense vegeta− tion creates sites for foraging, hiding and breeding of herbivores. Grazing, trampling and fae− ces deposition are considered as the most important ways that vertebrate herbivores influence the plants. Excrement deposition level informs us on the intensity of grazing i.e. foraging ground attractiveness. We have compared vertebrate herbivores' faeces deposition (biomass) in the vicinity of big colonies of piscivorous (kittiwake Rissa tridactyla and Brünnich's guil− lemot Uria lomvia) and planktivorous (little auk Alle alle) seabirds and the control area was in Hornsund, SW Spitsbergen. Much higher level of faeces deposition was recorded nearby seabird colonies as compared to the control area. These finding points out that vertebrate her− bivores concentrate and feed more intensively on rich ornithogenic pastures. Number of her− bivores and their faeces deposition level recorded nearby planktivorous seabird colony were greater as compared to those found nearby the colony of piscivores. The highest number of geese (Branta bernicla and Anser brachyrhynchus) and of their faeces biomass were found near the colony of planktivorous little auk, where distinct gradient in faeces deposition level along the colony−seashore axis was recorded. Reindeers Rangifer tarandus were observed in considerable numbers near the little auk colony, and were not recorded at all near cliff−nesting sites of kittiwakes and guillemots. Total deposition of excrements produced by geese was generally higher if compared to reindeers.
Polar Biology, 2012
Despite a widespread recognition of the role of seabird colonies in the fertilization of nutrient... more Despite a widespread recognition of the role of seabird colonies in the fertilization of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystems, qualitative and quantitative data documenting any consequential influence on soil invertebrate communities are still lacking. Therefore, we studied community structure and abundance of springtails (Collembola) in ornithogenic tundra near two large seabird colonies in Hornsund, south-west Spitsbergen. We found considerably (5-209) higher densities and biomass of Collembola in the vicinities of both colonies (the effect extending up to ca. 50 m from the colony edge) than in comparable control areas of tundra not influenced by allochtonous nutrient input. The most common springtails observed in the seabird-influenced areas were Folsomia quadrioculata, Hypogastrura viatica and Megaphorura arctica. The latter species appeared the most resistant to ornithogenic nutrient input and was found commonly closest to the bird colonies. Collembolan abundance decreased with increasing distance from the seabird colonies. However, relationships between collembolan density and specific physicochemical soil parameters and vegetation characteristics were weak. The most important factors were the cover of the nitrophilous green alga Prasiola crispa, total plant biomass and soil solution conductivity, all of which were correlated with distance from the colony and estimated amount by guano deposition. Community composition and abundance of springtails showed no evidence of being influenced of seabird diet, with no differences apparent between communities found in ornithogenic tundra developing in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies. The study provides confirmation of the influence of marine nutrient input by seabirds on soil microfaunal communities.
Polar Biology, 2013
In the resource-limited Arctic environment, vegetation developing near seabird colonies is except... more In the resource-limited Arctic environment, vegetation developing near seabird colonies is exceptionally luxuriant. Nevertheless, there are very few detailed quantitative studies of any specific plant species responses to ornithogenic manuring. Therefore, we studied variability of polar scurvygrass Cochlearia groenlandica individual biomass and leaf width along a seabird influenced gradient determining environmental conditions for vegetation in south-west Spitsbergen. We found seabird colony effect being a paramount factor responsible for augmented growth of C. groenlandica. The species predominated close to the colony and reached the highest mean values of individual biomass (1.4 g) and leaf width (26.6 mm) 10 m below the colony. Its abundance and size declined towards the coast. Both C. groenlandica individual traits significantly decreased with distance from the colony, soil water and organic matter content and increased with guano deposition, soil d 15 N, conductivity, acidity and nitrate, phosphate and potassium ion content. Our study supports the hypothesis that seabirds have fundamental importance for vegetation growth in poor Arctic environment. Highly plastic species such as C. groenlandica may be a useful instrument in detecting habitat condition changes, for instance resulting from climate change.
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2014
kezk.bio.univ.gda.pl
The crucial role of seabirds in the enrichment of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystem is we... more The crucial role of seabirds in the enrichment of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystem is well-known. However, no studies have examined the potentially different impacts associated with piscivorous and planktivorous bird colonies on the surrounding tundra soils. Therefore, we compared guano deposition and physical and chemical parameters of soil near two large seabird colonies, one of planktivorous little auks (Alle alle) and the other comprising piscivorous Brunnich's guillemots (Uria lomvia) and kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). The two colonies generated similar levels of guano deposition, with the intensity of deposition decreasing away from the colony. Guano deposition adjacent to both colonies was considerably higher than that in control areas. The increased guano supply around colonies significantly enhanced soil conductivity, nitrogen (NO 3 -, NH 4 ? ), potassium (K ? ), and phosphate (PO 4 3-) ion concentrations and led to reduced pH values. Guano deposition explained 84 % (piscivorous colony) and 67 % (planktivorous colony) of the total variation in the tested soil parameters. Planktivore and piscivore colonies affected adjacent tundra in different ways. The phosphate content and pH value of soil influenced by piscivores were significantly higher than values measured in planktivore-influenced soil. The gradient of guano deposition and associated ion content in the soil decreased more rapidly with distance from the piscivore colony. Climate-induced changes in populations of planktivorous and piscivorous seabirds are expected in the study region and may therefore have substantial consequential effects on Arctic terrestrial ecosystems.
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Papers by Katarzyna Zmudczyńska-Skarbek
seven were found only within the ornithogenically influenced sites. Although geographical location was the strongest factor differentiating these springtail communities, ornithogenic influence was also significant regardless of the location. When each location was considered separately, seabirds were responsible for a relatively small but strongly significant proportion (8.6, 5.2 and 3.9%, respectively, for each site) of total springtail community variability. Species whose occurrence was positively correlated with seabird presence were Folsomia coeruleogrisea, Friesea quinquespinosa, Lepidocyrtus lignorum and Oligaphorura groenlandica near Magdalenefjorden, Arrhopalites principalis, Folsomia bisetosella and Protaphorura macfadyeni in Isfjorden, and Folsomia quadrioculata on Bjørnøya.
seven were found only within the ornithogenically influenced sites. Although geographical location was the strongest factor differentiating these springtail communities, ornithogenic influence was also significant regardless of the location. When each location was considered separately, seabirds were responsible for a relatively small but strongly significant proportion (8.6, 5.2 and 3.9%, respectively, for each site) of total springtail community variability. Species whose occurrence was positively correlated with seabird presence were Folsomia coeruleogrisea, Friesea quinquespinosa, Lepidocyrtus lignorum and Oligaphorura groenlandica near Magdalenefjorden, Arrhopalites principalis, Folsomia bisetosella and Protaphorura macfadyeni in Isfjorden, and Folsomia quadrioculata on Bjørnøya.