The arrival of bird flu in Antarctica has raised concerns about isolated populations of penguins and seals that have never been exposed to the highly dangerous H5N1 virus. Guard.
The impact of the virus is not yet known, but scientists have raised concerns about a possible “catastrophic reproductive failure” for the region’s vulnerable wildlife populations.
The virus was discovered in populations of scavenger brown skua on Bird Island, part of the British overseas territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. These migratory birds probably brought it from South America, where bird flu was common. Thus, in Chile and Peru alone, the population of seabirds decreased by 500 thousand and the population of sea lions decreased by 20 thousand.
Experts estimate that the current outbreak of the highly contagious H5N1 variant, which began in 2021, has led to the extinction of millions of wild birds. Researchers have long been concerned about its potential impact on Antarctic wildlife, as many species are found nowhere else. World. They responded to the news that H5N1 had been discovered on the continent: “This is a disaster.”
Experts from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have taken samples from the birds and are currently examining them.
Bird Island is considered a bird-dense wildlife area, home to many bird species, including some endangered species. Additionally, 50 thousand pairs of penguins nest here and 65 thousand pairs of fur seals breed. The island is located near the northwestern tip of South Georgia.
A risk assessment published by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research into the impact of bird flu on the continent found fur seals, sea lions, skuas and puffins were most at risk, followed by penguins, raptors and giant petrels.
Previously reportedthat birds hit Russian planes more often.