Abstract:
South African biological research inland in continental Antarctica was
initiated during the 1987-88 summer season when a two-man team from the
Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape
Town, undertook a preliminary biological survey of Robertskollen, a group
of nunataks in the northern Ahlmannryggen, western Dronning Maud Land.
Robertskollen had been selected as a potential site for a biological
research programme planned to focus on ecosystem structure and
functioning on nunataks, with emphasis on the effects of ornithogenic
products. Snow Petrels (Pagodroma nivea) were known to breed at some of
the Robertskollen nunataks.
