Tropical Cyclones Are , Threatening Seabird
Populations, Study Warns.
'The Guardian' reports that the increasing frequency of
tropical cyclones due to rising global temperatures
could result in a dramatic decline in seabird populations.
According to a new study, scientists found that
the 2023 Cyclone Ilsa in Western Australia
resulted in the collapse of several seabird populations. .
That collapse impacted 80% to 90% of seabird
populations at the internationally important
breeding site of Bedout Island.
The study warns that this level of loss would be
unsustainable for seabird populations as the intensity
and regularity of cyclones continue to increase. .
These storms carry with them devastating
winds, heavy rains and massive swells that
disrupt breeding cycles for seabirds.
Seabirds play a crucial role in maintaining tropical reefs,
and the study highlights how the loss of these birds could
put increased pressure on an already stressed ecosystem.
The problem is twofold:
number one was just the
intensity of the storm. , Dr. Alex Bond, principal curator of birds at
the Natural History Museum, via 'The Guardian'.
This was the strongest cyclone
to hit Australia, and we’re going
to see more of that as one of
the consequences of the
global climate breakdown. , Dr. Alex Bond, principal curator of birds at
the Natural History Museum, via 'The Guardian'.
The other issue is
the recovery time, Dr. Alex Bond, principal curator of birds at
the Natural History Museum, via 'The Guardian'.
The team's findings were published in the journal 'Communications Earth & Environment.'