In Nearly Two Decades, Nesting Sites for This Endangered Bird Species Have Tripled on the Channel Island

The number of puffin nests, a threatened bird species on the Channel Island of Alderney, has tripled in number since 2005.

The number of puffin nests has tripled since 2005

Since 2005, the Wildlife Trust of Alderney Island, or Alderney in French, a Channel Island, has monitored a vulnerable bird species, Atlantic puffins. This work, which has continued for almost twenty years, allows this species to be more present on the island.

Indeed, the British body said that the number of active nests on the island of Burhou, a small island less than 2 km northwest of Alderney, now numbered 330. three times more than the first study in 2005, which recorded 120 nests.

Atlantic puffins, an endangered species

The puffin, Fratercula arctica from its Latin name, is a species of seabird. It only lives in the Atlantic Ocean and breeds on the isolated coasts of Northern Europe, Iceland and even in part of North America. The size of a pigeon, this bird is recognizable in particular thanks to its triangular-shaped beak, composed of layers of colors, such as blue, red or yellow.

Despite this population increase, the Atlantic puffin remains a threatened bird species according to the IUCN. Several reasons can explain this situation such as climate change, its hunting in Iceland in particular where it is consumed, or the fact that during their first flight, the chicks instead of heading towards the sea, a place where they must learn to feed on their own, are attracted to nearby light sources.

The Channel Islands, a place where biodiversity is important

Composed of Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, and Herm, the Channel Islands is a place recognized for its expanded biodiversity, both in terms of its fauna and its flora. Concerning the latter, these islands are covered with moors and fields, which are home to many species of wild flowers such as orchids.

In terms of wildlife, both in the waters and on land, many species live in this geographical corner. Thanks to the English Channel, a good number of fish and shellfish are recorded each year. The population of marine mammals, such as seals in particular, or birds is also significant on these islands.

Source: BBC