DISTRIBUTION OF LITTLE AUK (ALLE ALLE) BREEDING COLONIES IN THULE DISTRICT, NORTHWEST GREENLAND

Large areas with hydrocarbon prospects offshore northwest Greenland ne cessitate seabird studies in this region. The little auk population br eeding in Thule District is the largest seabird population in northwes t Greenland, as well as the largest known population of this species. In 1994 and 1995 we mapped the distribution of little auk colonies in Thule District during aerial surveys. Most colonies are situated in sl oping screes facing the sea, some as far as 11 km from the coast in va lleys or facing glaciers. The total horizontal extent of the colonies is about 400 km. Our surveys generally confirm previous and local know ledge, although the information obtained is more detailed.