Corticosterone responses of Emperor Penguins in the Ross Sea Region

In the 2003-2004 season, 7 emperor penguins were sampled in the McMurdo Sound area. Birds were caught by hand and a single blood sample collected from a vein in the flipper. Each bird was then restrained and further samples collected 15 and 30 minutes after capture. Measurements of body weight and body size were then made, cloacal swab taken and then released. Corticosterone concentrations were analysed. In the 2004-2005 season, non-breeding emperor penguins were sampled at Cape Washington. The birds were caught and blood samples collected at 0, 15 and 30 minutes after capture. Measurements of body weight and size were made, cloacal swab and then released.