Home / Environment / Puffins Flock to Skomer Island Amidst Food Boom
Puffins Flock to Skomer Island Amidst Food Boom
29 Jan
Summary
- Skomer Island's seabird population thrives due to abundant food and lack of predators.
- The island supports 350,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwaters.
- Volunteers assist with wildlife monitoring from March to September.
Skomer Island is currently experiencing a significant increase in its seabird population. This growth is primarily linked to an abundance of food, specifically fish, available in the surrounding waters, which provides ample sustenance for the young birds.
The island's success is further bolstered by the absence of common predators such as rats and foxes, creating a safe environment for breeding wildlife. Skomer Island is already a crucial sanctuary for an estimated 350,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwaters.
Thousands of guillemots and razorbills also call the island home, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with roles for volunteers to assist in monitoring these populations throughout the spring and summer months.
Volunteer tasks include puffin counts and boat-based seabird surveys. Later in the season, the focus shifts to assessing chick productivity and monitoring the grey seal population. Additional responsibilities involve assisting with the day-to-day operations of the island and welcoming its approximately 25,000 annual visitors.
