Hauber, Mark E., Daniel, Claire, Stephenson, Brent M., Millar, Craig D. and Ismar, Stefanie M. H. (2018) Genetic mating System of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator). Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 130 (3). pp. 763-770. DOI 10.1676/17-039.1.

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Abstract

We studied genetic similarity between adults and nestlings in putative social families (i.e., 2 adults and a chick) of a seabird that provides obligate biparental care, the Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator), in New Zealand. We detected DNA fingerprint mismatches in 12% of 26 nests between the chick and 1 of the 2 attending adults sampled. No parent–offspring genetic mismatch was detected in nests with 4-week-old or younger and sedentary nestlings, whereas adult–nestling mismatches were detected only in nests with 5-week or older and more mobile young sampled. We conclude that the genetic mating system of this sulid species is predominantly monogamous.

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