Dinosaur Descendants Face Modern Plague

Gannets, fascinating seabirds classified as avian dinosaurs, are facing a critical threat from the H5N1 avian flu. These birds, whose ancestors survived the mass extinction event 66 million years ago, exhibit incredible adaptability.

A testament to this is the gannet colony established on Point Danger, on the Australian mainland, approximately 30 years ago. This colony, initially vulnerable to predators like foxes and dogs, has persevered and grown due to dedicated conservation efforts.

However, the recent detection of the H5N1 strain of avian flu is deeply concerning. This virus has already decimated up to 50 percent of gannet colonies in the Northern Hemisphere it has reached.

Given that a breeding pair typically produces only one egg annually, the recovery of a threatened colony like Point Danger would be a prolonged and uncertain process. This situation underscores the urgent need to appreciate and protect these resilient creatures.