Balance: a neglected factor when attaching external devices to penguins

概要

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We observed that external attachments on penguins reduced their balance, which may be of as great concern to the individuals as the effect of increased drag. Little penguin Eudyptula minor swimming activity was observed in captivity at the Penguin Parade (r), Phillip Island, Australia. Initially, time-depth recorders (TDRs) were attached centrally to the lower back of the penguins, the point for attachment widely suggested in the literature. In the water, the penguins showed strong signs of imbalance. They tilted from side to side trying to maintain stability, avoided diving and did not move around the pool. When the TDRs were moved forward, closer to the penguins' centre of gravity, the penguins started diving, swimming and preening as they had before having the TDRs attached. These observations suggest that the lower back area may not be the best attachment position for little penguins and that balance could be an important factor to consider when using back-mounted devices.
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