The phenology of penguin nests is investigated throughout the breeding population of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) at Punta San Juan reserve.
The aim is to assess the characteristics of nests used by Humboldt penguins and which of these offer greater reproductive success. This is achieved by characterization and monitoring of nest occupation of the different types of nests during the breeding season. The assessment of how many nests of each type are occupied requires direct observation at the two main breeding beaches of the Punta San Juan reserve. Throughout the season, we observe whether adults have selected the nest and if they have been successful in having a chick or not.
The information from this study is important because the type of nest that are successfully selected for reproduction must be protected in order to increase the reproductive success of this species.