Engineering: Gannet population under threat

 

Global warming has been blamed for the dwindling population of gannets in the UK.

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University of Leeds researchers have warned that global warming is a major threat to the gannet, a type of bird which is otherwise known for its stable populations and constant breeding success.

Dr Keith Hamer from the University’s Faculty of Biological Sciences reported the decrease in gannet numbers in the Marine Ecology Progress Series journal.

He wrote that diminishing fish stocks around gannets’ natural habitats – caused partly by an increase in sea temperature – are forcing birds to search further a field in search of food for their young.

"Usually, one parent will stay with a chick while the other goes out hunting," said Dr Hamer.

"But if left for long enough, it will eventually leave the nest itself to find food. This leaves the chick alone and vulnerable to attack - mainly from other gannets seeking prime nesting space, which is fiercely contested within colonies."

Reversing trend

Gannets have bucked this trend of species decline in the North Sea until now – other seabird numbers were waning while the gannet enjoyed breeding success.

However, as sea temperatures continue to rise and fish stocks diminish, gannets are being forced further away from their nests for longer.

The Leeds researchers are already seeing the numbers of unprotected chicks rise and fear it can only get worse.

Gannets pair for life and breed annually, occupying the same nest each year.

It takes forty days for an incubated egg to hatch and a further ninety days for chicks to fledge.

"There’s only time for each gannet pairing to raise one chick each year, so with an increasing number losing their chicks and their nesting sites we may start to see a decline in overall numbers," added Dr Hamer.

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