Variation in baseline haematology of Northern Fulmars ( Fulmarus glacialis) in the Canadian High Arctic.

We present the normal baseline variation in haematology of 59 Northern Fulmars ( Fulmarus glacialis) collected from two high arctic sites in Nunavut, Canada. We found no differences between males and females in any haematological variable, but leukocyte profiles differed between non-breeding and breeding birds and also between breeding birds at different colonies. Breeding birds also had higher thrombocyte counts than non-breeders. Given that the Arctic is experiencing significant environmental changes due to climate warming, reference haematological values from seabirds may prove useful in monitoring the impacts on arctic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]