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First published online August 9, 2007
Journal of Experimental Biology 210, 2851-2858 (2007)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2007
doi: 10.1242/jeb.001230

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Differences in metabolic costs of terrestrial mobility in two closely related species of albatross

Alexander P. Kabat^1,*, Richard A. Phillips², John P. Croxall^2, and Patrick J. Butler¹

¹ Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
² British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK

^* Author for correspondence (e-mail: Alexander.kabat{at}gmail.com)

Accepted 14 May 2007

Black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophrys typically colonise steeper habitats than grey-headed albatrosses T. chrysostoma. The present study investigated the effect of colony philopatry on terrestrial locomotory ability in these two species, to determine: (1) if there is a difference in terrestrial locomotory ability between these two closely related species, and (2) what physiological or behavioural adaptations may account for any differences identified. We examined the metabolic cost, mechanical efficiency on an incline, and gait characteristics of terrestrial locomotion of these two species on both level and inclined planes. T. chrysostoma were able to perform at a significantly greater speed than T. melanophrys without reaching a significantly different maximal rate of oxygen consumption (_O2). Conversely, T. melanophrys were able to move up a significantly steeper incline than T. chrysostoma while maintaining a similar maximal _O2. Each species demonstrates stride length, force production (behavioural) and leg length (morphological) adaptations that minimise the cost of traversing their chosen colonies, indicating a clear relationship between terrestrial performance and local topography. However, it is not possible to determine if the difference in locomotory ability results from differences in colony topography, or if choice of colony site is dictated by the ability of the species to traverse different terrain.

Key words: Thalassarche melanophrys, Thalassarche chrysostoma, cost of locomotion, metabolic rate, procellariiform, energetics, gait analysis