Blitz Bureau
Five seabird species have been added to the UK red list of birds at most in need of conservation, joining others such as the puffin. The new entries include the Arctic tern, known for its incredible migration, the giant skua, or pirate of the sea, and two types of gull.
Plummeting population
The UK is known for its colonies of seabirds nesting in huge numbers on cliffs – but populations are plummeting amid a host of pressures, from climate change to a lack of food.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is calling for urgent government action to address “this dire situation”. The new entries include the Arctic tern, known for its incredible migration, the giant skua, or pirate of the sea, and two types of gull.
The UK is known for its colonies of seabirds nesting in huge numbers on cliffs – but populations are plummeting amid a host of pressures, from climate change to a lack of food.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is calling for urgent government action to address “this dire situation”.
Climate change a factor
“As an island nation, it is perhaps not surprising that we are globally important for seabird populations,” RSPB global conservation director Katie-jo Luxton said.
“But what has really shocked us is the sheer number of our seabird species now on the red list.” Of the 26 seabirds that breed on the UK’s coastlines and islands, 10 are now on the list.
Seabirds are in trouble because of climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, offshore renewable-energy development and habitat loss
