Climate change leaves British birds on the brink
Birdwatchers of Britain may face longer treks northwards in search of native species over the coming decades because of climate change, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says in a report published this week. More alarmingly, several breeds native to Scotland face extinction as rising temperatures literally drive them off the map.
Those most at risk include the Scottish crossbill, a resident of Scotland’s mountainous pine forests and the only bird species unique to Britain, and the snow bunting, a native of the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands, according the Observer newspaper.
Meanwhile continental species of bird such as the cirl bunting, more commonly found around the Mediterranean, have gradually extended their range northwards, with the number of breeding pairs in southern England rising from 118 two decades ago to more than 700 today.
Scientists based at Durham University calculate that the average range of British birds will shift 340 miles north by 2100. For northern species such as the crossbill, Graham Madge of the RSPB told the Observer, “there is simply no place left for these birds to go.”
“The crossbill is now confined to the very north of Scotland. As Europe heats up, only Iceland offers the prospect of a new homeland,” Madge said. “However the crossbill cannot fly that far – certainly not across the North Sea.”
Other species facing possible extinction in the next 90 years include the Arctic Skua, Leach’s petrel and the common scooter.
Elsewhere in the UK, the lapwing, a common sight on farmland in the last two centuries, has suffered a 47 percent reduction in numbers because of changing agricultural practices.
Wetland birds such as the red-necked phalarope and the snipe and birds of prey, including the recently reintroduced red kite, also face uncertain futures.
“We are already seeing significant changes to British bird life and these are only going to accelerate,” said Steve Willis of Durham University.
Willis also warned that many birds could starve as they venture northwards because the insects on which they commonly prey will not be able to migrate northwards quick enough to keep up.
“The nation’s temperature gradient is moving northwards at a rate of about four kilometres a year, while butterflies are only capable of moving range at about one kilometre a year,” he said. “This implies that birds – which feed on insects – could face serious problems in finding food as they move north.”
[...] Cuckoo crept along a branch. We watched the diminutive Paltry Tyrannulet building its large …Climate change leaves British birds on the brink | Zoogle NewsClimate change has pushed several bird species native to Great Britain to the brink of extinction, a [...]
Been to Koh Tao a couple of times now, first time was in Dezember 2004, then back at New Year 2007. What a awesome holiday place! It supplies for everybody: if your searching for neighborly Thai people there is masses of them,if you want better off food there is a great deal and night life is outstanding. If you want a common holiday, you can have it – if you need an pricy vacation, you can have it also. My friend is totally in love with the place and has just bought into a resort over there. My kids love it as well. What a wonderful place to celebrate New Year!
A short advice on Koh Samui please? I am off to Koh Samui in the first week of January 14 nights. I wondered if anyone had been at this time and what the weather was like? I have looked on many websites and have read diffrent things about the weather at this time of year? I am also unsure of how much spending money to take? Any other tips on Koh Samui would be great!