Wildlife

Wild Puffin: Climate Change Impacts on Breeding Welfare

Puffin populations face serious welfare threats from climate-driven changes in prey availability and extreme weather events.

Key Facts

UK puffin populations declined by 30% between 1986 and 2019 on some colonies
Sandeel collapse driven by warming seas reduces chick feeding rates dramatically
Increased storm intensity causes nest flooding and chick mortality
RSPB monitors breeding success at key colonies to track climate-driven welfare changes

Welfare Considerations

Puffin chicks dying from starvation or nest flooding experience acute suffering. The root cause - climate change - requires systemic action, but local measures including invasive predator control and habitat protection provide immediate welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Seabird Recovery Partnership conservation work
Advocate for bold climate action as the fundamental puffin welfare intervention
Choose sustainable MSC-certified seafood to reduce pressure on sandeel prey fish