Reconstruction of approximately 5,800 years of seabird population dynamics on an Atlantic island links expanding human settlement to severe population decline of the vulnerable Leach's Storm petrel, according to a study. Seabirds are key members of marine ecosystems but often lack long-term monitoring, potentially hindering conservation goals. Matthew P. Duda and colleagues examined sediment cores from a pond on Grand Colombier Island in the Northwest Atlantic, home to a large breeding colony of Storm petrels. The authors analyzed the cores, representing around 5,800 years of activity, for evidence of avian waste products, such as guano, feathers, and eggshells. The authors estimated population size based on five proxies, including the composition of aquatic diatom taxa that are directly influenced by avian inputs and the concentrations of specific trace elements that would have been predominantly introduced by the birds. The results suggest that the population experienced substantial natural fluctuations until disruption occurred at the start of the 19th century, concurrent with European settlement. Currently, the island supports only around 16% of the population that was likely supported around 740 years ago. According to the authors, paleoecological approaches can help determine current rates of ecological loss and protect critical habitat.
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ARTICLE #20-16811: "Linking 19th century European settlement to the disruption of a seabird's natural population dynamics," by Matthew P. Duda et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew P. Duda, Queen's University, Kington, Ontario, CANADA; e-mail: < 16mpd3@queensu.ca >
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences