The detection of the Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea) colony and population survey is still ongoing in the Western part of the Sør Rondane Mountains. Many of the rocky slopes I have visited are occupied by these birds and a close look at the nesting cavity attests to their presence for many, many years. On other locations of Queen Maud Land, scientists have determined Snow Petrel occupation period of over 37,000 years. This puts in perspective our presence here and our potential impact on this environment.

White angel wings on snow

Along with the population survey, we collected many DNA samples from dead, frozen birds found in the colony. We will use these samples for DNA analysis and comparison between different populations around the Antarctic. Some of these birds may have died last year or several years ago due to harsh climatic conditions or an accident during the fledgling period. Other carcasses may be found due to the predation by the South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki). In this case, the only remains of the birds are often a pair of wings to be found at the bottom of the colony.  

At this time of the year, the egg laying period is over and male and female alternate on their unique egg for the year. It's the best period to capture them, to take the necessary measurements and to take DNA samples. Once processed, the bird is delicately put back on the egg. Three more weeks and it will already be time to finish the work in the field and head back to South Africa and to the laboratory in Belgium. The mission goes on!  

In the meantime, we send you all our best wishes for the New Year, from Antarctica!

Counting Petrel Nests

Upon arrival, the first two days were dedicated to a field training, rescue exercise in crevices, safety drill and scientific planning. From then, the work on the different study sites could start. The planning is ambitious: during one short season the objective is to monitor all breeding sites of Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea) of the Eastern Sor Rondane, perform a primary population estimate of the area and collect DNA samples for the research project that focuses on the refuges and ecosystem tolerance to climate changes.

The Snow Petrel is my main target. It’s the most represented animal species of the inland Queen Maud Land (the station and the colonies are located nearly 200 km from the coast). Everyday with my guide, equipped with polar clothes, shoes studs and ice axe, I systematically survey the rocky slopes of each nunatak (exposed rock not covered with ice or snow) where Petrels are known to breed. Each nest is geo-referenced and the local population is estimated based on the number of occupied cavities.

Working conditions have been favorable so far, only two days of storm and poor visibility. Most of the time, however, the sun is shining in a clear blue sky and the wind remains relatively weak. Temperature varies between -5°C and -20°C (with some season's unusual peak of 0°C on the brightest sunny days).

The Sor Rondane are composed of several high mountain peaks (culminating at 3485 m) surrounded by numerous nunataks which provide stunning views on this polar landscape. Soon, most of the breeding site will be surveyed and the DNA sampling will start.