Global News - May 2008

< Back to Global News

Great Lakes conservation efforts 'could have harmed local birds'

Fri 16 May 2008 14:15 UK — North America,Birds,Marine Wildlife

A new report has suggested that efforts to restock the Great Lakes with fish might actually have harmed populations of nearby herring gulls.

Research published in the journal Ecology suggested that the recent restocking of the Great Lakes with species such as exotic salmon and trout is threatening the health of local bird populations.

The scientists reported that it was expected that the efforts to reintroduce fish species to the waters would help the herring gulls as it would mean they could obtain more food.

However, the team found that the birds were in poor health in many areas close to the lakes. Typically, they showed an increase in the type of transfat that mostly comes from food produced by humans.

Researcher Craig Hebert explained: "It seems that the birds are being forced to make a dietary shift from fish to terrestrial food, including garbage."

The team speculated that the new fish species are competing with the birds for their favourite prey of smaller fish, such as alewifes.

Mr Herbert said that the research could indicate that other birds are in even more danger.

"The effects on other species that are more closely tied to the water, such as terns, may be more severe," he added. "Those kinds of birds can only eat fish, so their diet may be affected by this, too. They don't have the option of eating food found on land."

Help IAR save animals from suffering around the world.

News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, leaders in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

< Back to Global News   |   Read IAR News

Read IAR News >