Dataset Information

Geographic variation of strontium and hydrogen isotopes in avian tissue: implications for tracking migration and dispersal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Isotopes can provide unique solutions to fundamental problems related to the ecology and evolution of migration and dispersal because prior movements of individuals can theoretically be tracked from tissues collected from a single capture. However, there is still remarkably little information available about how and why isotopes vary in wild animal tissues, especially over large spatial scales.

Methodology/principal findings

Here, we describe variation in both stable-hydrogen (deltaD(F)) and strontium ((87)Sr/(86)Sr(F)) isotopic compositions in the feathers of a migratory songbird, the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), across 18 sampling sites in North America and then examine potential mechanisms driving this variation. We found that deltaD(F) was correlated with latitude of the sampling site, whereas (87)Sr/(86)Sr(F) was correlated with longitude. deltaD(F) was related to deltaD of meteoric waters where molting occurred and (87)Sr/(86)Sr(F) was influenced primarily by the geology in the area where feathers were grown. Using simulation models, we then assessed the utility of combining both markers to estimate the origin of individuals. Using 13 geographic regions, we found that the number of individuals correctly assigned to their site of origin increased from less than 40% using either deltaD or (87)Sr/(86)Sr alone to 74% using both isotopes.

Conclusions/significance

Our results suggest that these isotopes have the potential to provide predictable and complementary markers for estimating long-distance animal movements. Combining isotopes influenced by different global-scale processes may allow researchers to link the population dynamics of animals across large geographic ranges.

SUBMITTER: Sellick MJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2649426 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Geographic variation of strontium and hydrogen isotopes in avian tissue: implications for tracking migration and dispersal.

Sellick Megan J MJ Kyser T Kurt TK Wunder Michael B MB Chipley Don D Norris D Ryan DR

PloS one 20090306 3

<h4>Background</h4>Isotopes can provide unique solutions to fundamental problems related to the ecology and evolution of migration and dispersal because prior movements of individuals can theoretically be tracked from tissues collected from a single capture. However, there is still remarkably little information available about how and why isotopes vary in wild animal tissues, especially over large spatial scales.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>Here, we describe variation in both stable-hy ...[more]

PMID: 19266102

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Project description:Background:Long-distance migration has evolved multiple times in different animal taxa. For insect migrants, the complete annual migration cycle covering several thousand kilometres, may be performed by several generations, each migrating part of the distance and reproducing. Different life-cycle stages and preferred orientation may thus, be found along the migration route. For migrating red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) it has been questioned if they reproduce in the most northern part of the range. Here we present migration phenology data from a two-year time series of migrating red admirals captured at Rybachy, Kaliningrad, in the northern part of Europe investigating time for migration, life-history stage (migration, reproduction) as well as site of origin in individual butterflies. Methods:Red admirals were captured daily at a coastal site during spring, summer and autumn in 2004 and 2005. For the sampled individuals, reproductive status and fuel content were estimated by visual inspection, and hydrogen isotopes (? 2H) were analysed in wing samples. ? 2H values was compared with samples from two nearby reference sites in Estonia and Poland. Results:Analysis of hydrogen isotopes (? 2H) in red admiral wings showed that the spring cohort were of a southerly origin, while those caught in August or later in the autumn were from the local region or areas further to the north. All females caught during spring had developing eggs in their abdomen, but no eggs were found in late summer/autumn. There was a male-biased sex ratio during autumn and a difference in lipid content between years. When comparing the isotopic data with inland nearby locations, it was clear that the range of ? 2H values (-?181 to -?78) was wider at Rybachy as compared to the two reference sites in Estonia and Poland (-?174 to -?100). Conclusions:During spring, migratory female red admirals arrived from the south and were ready to reproduce, while the autumn passage mainly engaged local and more northern individuals carrying large fuel deposits in preparation for long-distance migration. The phenology data suggest that individuals select to migrate in favourable weather conditions and that numbers may differ between years. Future studies should focus on individual sampling at a wide range of sites to reveal differential migration strategies and timing of migration between sexes and populations of migrating butterflies.

Dataset Information

Geographic variation of strontium and hydrogen isotopes in avian tissue: implications for tracking migration and dispersal.

Background

Methodology/principal findings

Conclusions/significance

Publications

Geographic variation of strontium and hydrogen isotopes in avian tissue: implications for tracking migration and dispersal.

Similar Datasets

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