This study investigated the role of Atlantic Puffins in nutrient cycling along the Norwegian coast. By modeling nutrient deposition from seabird guano, the research aimed to elucidate the contributions of puffins to terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. Guano deposition rates across Norwegian colonies were done with simulations of population changes from 1960 to 2050. Findings indicated differences in nutrient contributions among breeders, non-breeders, and chicks, that when compared to other similar study of different species showed high guano deposition on land. The increased nutrient availability due to Atlantic puffins’ guano in breeding grounds may benefit local plants. The model's accuracy may be limited by assumptions made, such consistent excretion rates and uniform foraging behaviors across different populations of Fratercula arctica. These assumptions may not always hold true, as variations in prey availability, environmental conditions, and other factors can result in fluctuating guano production levels. Therefore, to enhance the accuracy and applicability of future models, more detailed and site-specific data on Atlantic Puffins should be collected or made publicly available so they can be incorporated on future models. Increased efforts in conducting on-site guano measurements of Atlantic Puffin populations could also be essential for validating and refining the currently scarce models of guano deposition.
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