Molecular analysis confirms the occurrence of Thalassarche steadi in Argentinian waters

Abstract

From molecular determination we can confirm that the stranded bird analyzed corresponded toa Thalassarche steadi individual. This identification method has been previously implemented in themolecular determination of shy-type albatrosses stranded on coastal areas and/or by-caught infisheries operating in the region. Molecular techniques as the one used here have been largely applied to the identification of seabirds incidentally killed in fisheries and/or stranded on coastal areas. To our knowledge this would be the first study to identify T. steadi as a non-breeding visitor in Argentinian waters.