Climate change can explain more than half the observed changes in numbers of breeding seabirds and wintering waterbirds over the last 30 years, says new research. Puffins and gulls, ducks and wading birds are among those most affected in the 62 species studied.
Furthermore the research, led by the BTO and involving the RSPB and others in the UK and France, shows a 4°C rise in average global warming would probably lead to more than half of these birds declining by more than 25% in the UK.
Puffins are being affected by climate change Image Andy Hay RSPB
Climate change thus poses a long-term threat for several northern breeding seabirds, including Arctic terns and guillemots; and for waterbirds which overwinter on our estuaries in large numbers, such as eiders and bar-tailed godwits. Avocets and snipe, which may be limited by cold winter weather, are anticipated to increase, as are breeding common terns.
The recent report on climate science by the IPCC shows that, without substantial and sustained emission reductions, the world is on the pathway to experience these changes by the end of this century. Our seabirds and waterbirds give us yet another example of the profound significance this has for our wildlife, with large-scale population declines projected for many of these species across the country. Reducing climate change pollution is therefore vital to the long term future of our wildlife.
Protected areas are vital to our wildlife
Yet the main aspect of this study shows how the importance of the UK’s protected area network as a life-support system will grow with climate change.
The researchers studied the numbers of seabirds and waterbirds across Britain’s sites protected as Special Protection Areas (SPAs), a key part of the European Union’s nature conservation system that conserves our shared natural heritage. SPAs protect the best places for migratory, as well as rare and threatened birds, here in the UK and across the EU.
The study shows that whilst species ranges will shift with climate change, SPAs will continue to support internationally important numbers of birds and provide a vital resource for sustaining and supporting bird populations affected by climate change . Some sites may be used less by particular species in the future, but other species will move in and use them more. Generally, our best sites today will remain as our best sites in the future. Managing our protected sites to keep pace with the shifting ranges of species will give our birds the breeding and wintering areas they will need into the future.
So, if healthy populations of many of our most treasured species are to survive this century we must continue to grow and improve our stewardship of the protected area network, whilst also cutting our greenhouse gas emissions.