Moult phenology and the influence of breeding activity in adult African penguins Spheniscus demersus at Allwetterzoo Münster, Germany

Abstract

Observations of ex-situ populations represent valuable resources for comparing data of captive and free-ranging populations and provide useful information to enhance species management and welfare. In this study, the African penguin Spheniscus demersus, listed as Endangered by the IUCN, serves as a model to evaluate adult moult phenology at Allwetterzoo Münster, Germany between 2018 and 2022. Further, the impact of an altered breeding cycle on the timing of moult was assessed. Moult was highly synchronistic within the ex-situ colony and comparable with moult seasonality of colonies in the wild. Here, timing of moult seems to be strongly dictated by breeding schedule. However, while moult synchrony at Allwetterzoo was positively influenced by breeding synchrony, timing of moult might be more affected by individual (sex, age and breeding activity) and seasonal variables, than by the timing of breeding. Nevertheless, the data indicate the relevance of exhibiting nesting behaviour for moulting, with both events representing sensitive key drivers of the annual cycle in African penguins under human care.