Arctic terns undertake the longest migration of any animal, and climate change is affecting both their Arctic breeding success and Antarctic wintering resources.
Arctic tern welfare is challenged at both ends of their extraordinary migration by climate-driven changes to food web structure. Chick starvation during UK breeding seasons from sand eel scarcity causes acute welfare harm, while reduced food availability in Antarctic wintering areas affects pre-migration condition. Climate change mitigation is the only effective long-term welfare intervention for this remarkable migratory species.