The gannet population in Newfoundland's Cape St. Mary Ecological Reserve appears to be improving after thousands of individuals died.
In 2022, bird flu will kill more than 25,000 birds in North America and at least 6,600 birds in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the biologist. Rebecca Wisemanresearcher at the university Memorial.
Breeding success declined dramatically, from the usual average of 60% to just 17% during this period. A severe blow to their colonies
He said Rebecca Wiseman.
But last year, the success rate rose to 72%. this year, Rebecca Wiseman It is estimated that 60% to 70% of nests contain eggs, which is a good indicator.
colleague Sidney Collins It is estimated that 11% of the breeding gannet population died during an avian influenza outbreak.
She says she was pleasantly surprised by the jump in the reproductive rate due to the warming of the water, which changed the time in which many of the fish eggs that the boobies feed on hatched.
This high rate of reproductive success is quite reassuring for population recovery.
She adds that researchers are trying to test the hypothesis that birds that survive bird flu appear to have better reproductive abilities.
One look reveals the devastation caused by bird flu in this reserve famous for its gannets.
Dead gannets beached on Prince Edward Island in June 2022.
Photo: CBC/Nicola Macleod
We saw a big rock, all white, looking like snow. But now there are empty spaces where there used to be nests
he explains Noah KarenWho researches seabirds and lives near the ecological reserve.
At present, there are no signs of the virus causing bird flu spreading in Cape Town. St. Mary'sHe said Noah Karen. However, he says bird carcasses found on nearby beaches should be analyzed to be sure.
With information from CBC
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