Wildlife

Storm Petrel Welfare at Island Breeding Sites

European storm petrels are tiny oceanic seabirds nesting in rock crevices on uninhabited islands, vulnerable to introduced predators and light pollution.

Key Facts

Storm petrels are only sparrow-sized but migrate to sub-Antarctic waters
They nest in rock crevices and come to land only at night to avoid predators
Light pollution on islands disorients fledglings causing grounding events
Introduced cats and rats can eliminate storm petrel colonies
They feed by hovering over the sea surface pattering their feet on waves

Welfare Considerations

Introduced cats and rats predate adults and chicks at night causing severe losses. Light pollution attracts fledglings that become grounded and unable to relaunch. Grounded birds are vulnerable to exhaustion, dehydration, and predation by domestic animals. Storm petrels that lose mates show prolonged periods of reduced breeding activity. Cats on islands can kill hundreds of birds per night during breeding season.

What You Can Do

Support cat eradication programs on storm petrel nesting islands
Donate to organizations working on seabird island biosecurity
Advocate for light pollution controls near storm petrel colonies
Support fledgling rescue programs during grounding events
Engage with coastal communities on domestic cat management near seabird colonies