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Spatial distribution of birds and terrestrial plants in Bunger Hills

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2020

Michelle R. Leishman Open the ORCID record for Michelle R. Leishman [Opens in a new window] ,
John A.E. Gibson  and
Damian B. Gore Open the ORCID record for Damian B. Gore [Opens in a new window]
Michelle R. Leishman
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW2109, Australia
John A.E. Gibson
Affiliation:
27A Rialannah Rd, Mount Nelson, TAS7007, Australia
Damian B. Gore*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW2109, Australia
*
damian.gore@mq.edu.au
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Abstract

In this paper, we synthesize recorded observations of moss, lichen and bird species in Bunger Hills, East Antarctica, and assess the role of environmental controls, including sediment, salinity, moisture and geology, on species' distributions. The distribution of snow petrels (Pagodroma nivea) appears to be associated with geology; they nest by preference in crevices in bedrock outcrops around the margins of the hills or wherever jointed cliffs are found. South polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) are seen throughout Bunger Hills, where they nest and prey on snow petrels. Mosses and lichens were most abundant around the ice margins where fresh snow and ice meltwater are abundant. In the central area of Bunger Hills, where the highest salt concentration in sediments is found and exposure to abrasion by wind-driven mineral sand grains and ice particles is greatest, mosses and lichens are reduced in abundance and diversity. Exposure of parts of Bunger Hills from the ice sheet throughout the Last Glacial Maximum, c. 20 ka bp, means that some land and lakes could have acted as regional refugia and as a locus of recolonization of other ice-free areas.

Keywords

biogeographybryophytelichensalinitysnow petrelssouth polar skua
Type
Research Article
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 32 , Special Issue 2: Bunger Hills: the hidden Antarctic oasis , April 2020 , pp. 153 - 166
Copyright
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2020

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