The recent range expansion of Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae) in Hokkaido, Japan.

Abstract

Though the Japanese subspecies of Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae) has increased its population in recent decades, information on its spread to the northern island of Hokkaido has not been reported outside of Japan. The purpose of this paper is to update the scientific community about the breeding and range ecology of P. carbo, and to provide comparative information on the abundant and similar looking resident Japanese Cormorant (P. capillatus). Several ornithological groups and researchers were contacted in order to gather information about the current distribution and breeding activities of P. carbo in the region. Here the findings of Japanese research groups, translated publications, and direct observations are made available.