2.2. The archipelago ornithofauna
Collection of the FJL ornithofauna data has begun since discovering of he archipelago by the Austrian expedition In 1873. In the end of 19th beginning of 20th century materials of numerous rusalan and foreign xpedltlona permitted publishing of more than 40 works concerning the archipelago birds. In that period southern and central 'island were Investigated more completely. In 1932 G.P.Gorbunov published a book "Franz osef Land Birds" where he analysed and generalized all known works on the archipelago ornithofauna as well as gave his own data collected In 1928-1930. Later only few works concerning bird fauna of individual Islands were ublished: of Hooker (Demme, 1934; Belikov, Randla, 1984); of Rudolph Rutllevskii, 1957); of Zemlya Aleksandry (Parovahchikov, 1962, 1963; Uapenskli, 1972), of Graham-Bell (Tomkovich, 1984, 1985) and generalizing list by S.M.Uapenskii and P.S.Tomkovich (1986).
Since 1990 regular biological Investigations have been started at the archipelago. For three field seasons, Russian, Polish and Norwegian ornithologists collected huge material adding significantly the available data. At present we have information on the ornithofauna of 44 islands of 191 (Pig. 32); almost all large islands were observed. However, it should be mentioned, that 18 Islands (NN 3-5, 7, Q, 13-15, 18, 20-22, 25, 27, 30-32 In figure 32) were Investigated more than 60 years ago.
Pig. 31. Map of the ornithological information on the FJL archipelago 1 - Zemlya Alekaandry, 2 - Zemlya Georga, 3 - Bell, 4 - Mabel, 5 - Bruss, 6 - Northbrook, 7 - Eaton, 8 - May, 9 - Newton, 10 - Dead Seal, 11 - Scott-Kelty, 12- Hooker, 13 - Nansen, 14 - Vilchek 15 - Ogord. 16 - Mac-Kllntock, 17 - Alizher, 18 - Luidgl, 19 - Salabury, 20 - Elisabeth, 21 - Vlnner-Neischtadt, 22 - Kelnj 23 - Jackson, 24 - Karl-Alexander, 25 - Torup, 26 - Rudolph, 27 - Eva-Llv, 28 - Graham-Bell, 29 - Gull, 30 - Pritchett, 31 - Becker, 32 - Ketlltz, 33 - Hayes, 34 - Fersman, 35 - Brosh, 36 - Koon, 37 - Newcomb, 38 - Tzigler, 39 - Coal mine, 40 - Peier, 41 - Stolichka, 42 - Lee-Smyth, 43 - Champ, 44 - Zemlya Vllcheka.
81
This part contains the analysis of published data and our own information which was collected In summer 1992 by Russian-Austrian expedition of AMill Roskomgirdromet and Austrian Television (M.V.Gavrilo) and by Marine arctic complex expedition of Goskomsever of Rusaia at the board of "Ivan Kireer" (G.M.Tertitzkii, I.V.Pokrovskaya). We also attempted to formulate the most actual directions of the further investigations.
2.2.1. Faunistlc composition
G.P.Gorbunov (1932) recorded 14 nesting berd species, suggested nesting of 4 more speciea, and recorded 10 transit species. The further investigations added list of tarnsit birds; no suggestions about nesting were conflimed. Thus, at present at the archipelago, nesting of 14 species is proved, 2 species are recorded during migrations, 1 species has unknown status, and 24 species are known to be transit (3 of them presumably) (Table 11).
Table 11 Bird species recorded at Franz Josef Land and their status
N SPECIES STATUS R2FEHSNGE
1 . Gavla atellata 2 G.orcttca 3 Fulmarua gloalalla 4 Branta leucopala? 5 B.bernlcla 6 Anaer 'oroahyrhyncftua 7 Cygnua beiu.lcftH? 8 Somaterta mollaalma 9 Falao ruatlcolua
I 0 logopua mutua II Grua grua 12 Galllnula chloropua 13 Pluvial ta apricaria
14 Jlrenoria interpera
15 Phaloropua lobatua 16 Oall(3rls fuaclcallia IT Oalldria inorltlma 18 Calba 19 Stercororlua pontortnus 20 S.paroaitlcua 21 S.longlcou&La
22 lorua .argent atua 23 L.Tvyperboreua 24 L.morinus? 25 Rlaaa trldactyla
-H-+ f
32
63
Pig. 32. Distribution of Brunnlch's guillemot colonies at Franz Joaef land.
Pig. 33. Distribution of fulmar colonies at Franz Joaef Land.
84
fig. 34. Distribution of kittiwaJfee colonies at Franz Josef Land.
Pig. 36. Distribution of little auk colonies at Frana Josef Land
SS
Fig. 36. Distribution of black guillemot colonies at Franz Josef Land.
water (the second half of August - beginning of September) la especially important for guillemots as far as they can not fly yet In this period. The number and distribution of this species colonies over FJL do confirms their dependence on the presence of open water by the rocks. Moat fulmar and guillemot colonies are situated along the southern border of the archipelago (Figa. 33-35, tables 12-14), along the stationary polynya (which arises repeatedly and exist for a long time) as well as in the central part of the archipelago near points where thawed holes arise permanently and no coast-ice occur In the end of summer (Abramo?, Zoobakin, this book). Colonies at Solesbury, loldgl, Jackson islands are In the most severe conditions; successful breeding probably takes place there not each year. For example, in 1992 nearby the Brunnich guillemot, colony (the most northern in the world) at the Byatrov Gape (Jackson Island, 81°19* N) at the distance of several kilometres fron the shore a 9-degree Ice-cover was oceurlng during August and beginning of September. In the August adult guillemots and younglings were observed. The latters left neats under extremely unfavourable Ice-situation. The death of fledgelings during fledging may be proposed. At the same time at the Rublni Rock (Hooker Island) guillemot fledgelings began to leave the colony on August, 18, 1992 and got open water without any delay.
The largest fulmar and klttlwake colonies are in the southern and south-weatem parts of the archipelago. In these regions sea birds form combined multi-species settlements more often than in other sites.
Little auk and guillemot distribution (Figs. 35, 36, tables 15-16) shows that main factor limiting dispersion of these species is presence of places suitable for nesting. They may use little polynyas by the shore as well
as at large distance off the colony during feeding. Moreover, guillemot is low-colonial species searching individual prey organisms rather than their accumulations. All above-mentioned peculiarities condition rather low dependence of little auk and especially, of guillemot on the ice situation by the colony and, consequently, their wider distribution over the archipelago.
Thus, analysis of the sea bird colonies distribution over PJL permits to divide three regions:
southern and, partially, central part - with moat favourable ice- ,conditions and the shore landscape moat proper for nesting;
qentral and northern part - with unfavourable ice-conditions but with landscape proper for nesting;
eastern and north-eastern part - with severe ice-situation and shore landscape improper for nesting.
The firat region contains largest and multi-species colonies; the second one has prevalent little colonies of little auk and guillemot; and singular one-species colonies occur in the third region.
Data on the total number- of PJI sea birds are based at the S.M.Uspenskll estimation (1959), and according to his oppinion, made up: little auk - 500 thousands specimens; Brunnich's guillemot *• 200 thousands; guillemot - 30 thousands; kittiwake and fulmar' - 20 tiiosands individuals. We consider this estimation to be over-atated, at least, for Brunnich's guillemot, guillemot and fulmar, although now some colonies are still unknown. Analysis of the distribution of the number of the Novaya Zemlya Brunnich's guillemot population has demonstrated that more than 95% of the birds nested in colonies with, total number more than 10,000 individuals (they made up 54% of all colonies). At the Spitsbergen more than 60% of all Brunninch's guillemots nest under similar conditions (1S3S of colonies). I.e., with moving towards north, the share of large Brunnich's guillemot colonies is decreasing, but their role remains very important ss far as more than a half of all Brunnich's guillemot population is accumulated in these olonies. No very large (more than 100 thousands individuals) colonies of this speoies occur at FJI, and, proceeding from the up-to-date data on the colony distribution, it is difficult to wait their reveling in future. Supposing that colonies at the Flora cape and at the Rubini Rock are related to the largest ones, the total number of Brunnich's guillemots must be not more than 50 thousands couples.
The proposed high number of guillemot is slso doubtful. For instance, about 7 thousands guillemots neat in 64 Svalbard colonies (Mehium, F;jeld, 1987). At the same time to the present moment, at PJ1 only 40 colonies have been revealed; in sites of the counting the number was little and made up several dozens Individuals in each, Most probably, that the total number of this species at the archipelago doesn't exceed 3-4 thousands couples.
The total fulmar number doesn't probably exceed 2-3 tliousands couples, as far as 14 colonies are known, and none of them contains more than several hundreds bird pairs. But we assume that our results may be very understated. The evaluation of little auk number is hampered by scanty data on the large colonies.
Other species. Analysis of the other bird species over the archipelago shows that they also prefer southern and western islands. Snow bunting, purple sandpiper, arctic skua and glaucous gull are most widely-distributed. Common eider, arctic tern and Ivory gull are also distributed over the whole
87
archipelago, but they neat mainly at the little glacier-free Islands either at separated capes of the large ones. The largest common eider colony is situated at the Mary Harmsworth Cape (Zemlya Alekaandry) and the largest ivory gull colony at the Hilly peninsula (Graham-Bell island). Red-throated diver prefer large and middle islands with internal reservoirs. Data on the Brent goose nesting are scanty though it occurs over the whole archipelago. There la no information on the ptarmigan breeding though all authors assume the possibility of its nesting.
A great attractivity of little glacier-free islands at the south of .the archipelago for some species should be mentioned. In 1992 we have observed Newton Island (1.5-2 km2). 6 bird apecies were met there: arctic tern, snow bunting, common eider,, purple sandpiper, arctic and pomarine skua. The first five species nested at the island, and their total density is about 10 times higher than at the large islands.
2.2.3. Main purposes of ornithological investigations of Franz Joaef Land
After generalizing of the available data on FJL avifauna we have to conclude that, in spite of numerous expeditions visiting the archipelago, its birds are studied worse than IB other Barents Sea regions. .We consider that the main purposes of the future investigation are the follow:
1. Recording of the sea-bird colonies. Specification of species composition of the known colonies, especially, of the large ones. Observation of potential nesting places - of coastal rocks. Creating of the combined data baae on the colonies according to all aYailable sources.
2. Investigation of sea-bird nesting biology and feeding. Data on the sea bird feeding In this region are very scanty. They are of great interest in connection with distribution of some birds at the border of their possible areal and, also in connection with general crisis of the Barents Sea ecosystem.
3. Study of the role of sea-bird large colonies in the functioning of terrestrial and marine ecosystems under extremal conditions.
4. Study of the biology, distribution and number of rare ivory gull,Ross1
gull and endemic little auk subspecies A.alle polarta. 5. Collection of data on terrestrial species, specification of their
status and distribution.
Table 12. List of Brunnlch'a guillemot colonies at the PJL (abundance la the number of specimens counted in the colony)
N, flg.2 Site Island Number Reference
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Krauter Cape Grant C. Stevens C. Porbs C. south Konrad C. Flora C.
Zemlya Georga
? Gorbunov, 1932 ? Gorbunov, 1932 ? Gorbunov, 1932 ? , Gorbunov, 1932 ? Gorbunov, 1932 ? Gorbunov, 1932 5-7 thousands Gavrllo M,V.
88
8
9
10
11
Mac-Klintock Hooker Lee-Smith.
Richtgofen G. Luidgi Armitidge G. ? . Plaher 0. Salsbury Byatrov G. Jackson
7 thousands
130
Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Bellkov, Randla, 1984 Averintaev V.G., pers. comm. according to observations of Heis island Polar Station Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrilo M.V.
Table 13.
List of fulmar colonies at the FJL (abundance is the number of specimens counted in the colony)
N, fig. 3
9 10
11
Site
Krauter Cape Grant C. Stevens C. Forbs G.? Konrad C. Rubini Rock Albert Markam Dillon C.
Fisher C. nunatak to north of Fisher G. between Fisher
Island Number
Zemlya Georga ? ? ? ?
Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Belikov, Randla, 1984 Gorbunov, 1932 Tertitzkli G.M., Pokrovakayu I.V. Gavrilo M.V. Gavrllo M.V.
Gavrilo M.V. and Mac-Kllntoc G.
12
Gavrllo M.V.
N, fig.4 Site Island Number
Table 14.
Zemlya Georga
Bell Northbrook
3-4
List of
N, fig. 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 a 9 10 11 12
Barents G. Rublni Rock Hooker
Albert Markam C. Rose 0. Lee-Smith
Dillon C. Mac-Klintock
? Ganza C. Zemlya Vllcheka ?
Rods Strait Salsbury Coal Mine Island Brosh
Mill G.?? Jackson Byatrov G. Bam C. Karl-Alexandr
Stolichka Germany G. Rudolph
Site Island
Zal Geograf ov Zemlya Georga Bruce Cape Nanaen C. Nill C. Krauter C. Zal Grey (west) Grant C. Stevens C. Forba C. . Chads C. south coast Bell Konrad C. Mabel
250 pairs 200 pairs
Number ( Individuals )
Belikov, Randla, 1984 Rutilevskli, 1957 Averintzev V.G., pers. comm. according to observations of Heis island Polar Station
Gorbunov, 1932 Averintzev V.G., pera. comm. according t obaervations of Hela island Polar Station
Tomkovich, 1984 Averlntaev V.G., pera. comm. according t observations of Hela island Polar Station
Gavrilo M.V.
Gavrilo M.V.
Gavrilo M.V. Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrilo M.V. Gavrilo M.V. Gavrilo M.V. Rutilevskil, 1957
Table 15.
Uspenskii, 1972 Gorbunov, 1932 Uspenakii, 1972 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932
13 14
Vllcheka Scott-Kelty Hooker
south-east Rublni Rock Sedov C. Dolina Molchanya Alb. Markam G. Ganiilton Str. Nansen Dillon C. Mac-Klintock
Karplnskll C. Tegettgof G. Gull
Frankfrut C.
Ganza C.
Zeml. Vllchsfei ?
Newcomb Fersman
Luidgl Champ
Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov. 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Demme, 1934 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Bellkov, Randla, 1984 Gorbunov, 1932 Tertltzkll G.M., Pokrovskaya I.V. Gavrllo M.V. Tertitzkli G.M., Pokrovskaya I.V. Tertltzkll G.M., Pokrovskaya I.V. Averlntzev V.G., pers. comm. accordliyj to observations of Heis Island Polar Station Serov V.M,, pers.comm. Report of the Head of the Hela Island Polar Station
Gorbunov, 1932 Averlntzev V.G., pers. comm. according to observations of Heia island Polar Station
Rods Strait Kovaljl 0. Fisher C. nunatak to north of Fisher C. Between Flaher C.and Mac-Kllntock Mac-Klintock by Brais C. by western glacier edge Rods Strait Tirol G.
Gelvald C. Golovln C. Gorlsty C. south-east south
Olie C. Steicken 0. Norway C.
Salsbury
Peler
2000 Gavrilo M.V.
800 Gavrllo M.V. ? Gorbunov, 1932 ? Gavrllo M.V.
? Gavrilo M.V. ? , Gavrilo M.V. 2000 Gavrilo M.V.
? Gavrilo M.V. 4-4.5 thous. Gavrilo M.V. ? Gorbunov, 1932 40-50 Gavrilo M.V. 400-600 Gavrllo M.V. ? Gavrilo M.V. ? Gavrilo M.V. ? Gavrilo M.V. ? Gavrilo M.V. ? Gavrilo M.V. 50,000 Uspenskli, 1972
52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Bystrov 0. Mill C. Gelland G. Felder C. Bam C.
Brorok C. Auk C. Stolbovoy C.
600-800 ? ?
Karl-Alexander ? ?
? 400
Gavrllo M.V. Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrllo M.V. Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrilo 0.
Table 16.
N, fig
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12
13
14
20 21 22
;,6 Site
Chads C. Bruce G. Nill C. Krauter C. Zal Grey (east) Grant C. Stevens 0. Forbs G. south Flora C. Dillon G.
Tegettgof C,
Frankrurt G,
•
Hichtgofen C. Fisher C. nunatak to N of Fisher C. between Fisher
Island Number ( individuals )
40-60
Reference
Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov , 1 932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov , 1932 Tertiyzkii G.M., Pokrovskaya I.V. Tertit2kll G.M. , Pokrovakaya I.V.
Tertltzkii G.M., Pokrovakaya I.V. Averintzev V.G., pera. comm. ace. to Heis lal, Polar station data
Demme, 1934 Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Serov V.M., pers.conai. Report of Head of Heii Isl. Polar Station Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrilo M.V.
Gavrilo M.V. and Mac-Klintock
92
25 Tirol C. Vlner- several Nelachtadt dozens
26 Gelvald Keln ? 27 firosh 90-120 28 Goriaty C. Koon 20 | 29 Golovlna C. 2 30 Stollchka ? 31 Norway 0. Jackson ? 32 Mill C. \ ? 33 Bystrov 0. 80-100 34 Gelland G. ? 35 Felder C. Karl-Alexander ? 36 Bam C. 7 . 37 Torup ..?..
;•
'
•
Gavrllo M.V.
Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrllo M.V. Gavrllo M.V. Gavrllo M.V. Gavrllo M.V. Gorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrllo M.V. Gavrllo M.V. Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrllo M.V. Gorbunov, 1932
. (jorbunov, 1932 Gorbunov, 1932 Gavrllo M.V.
V
X
93
ACADEMY OP SCIENCES OP RUSSIA KOLA SCIENTIFIC CENTRE NAMED AFTER S.M.KIROV
MURMANSK MARINE BIOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEMS OF THE FRANZ JOSEF LAND (ARCHIPELAGO AND SHELF)
APATITY 1993