Snow petrels nesting on Antarctic nunataks face welfare impacts from changing snow conditions, katabatic wind events and long-distance foraging stress as sea ice declines.
Extended foraging trips caused by sea ice reduction mean chicks receive less food, experience longer periods of cold exposure and have reduced survival rates. Adults face exhaustion from increased travel distances. Unusual katabatic wind events can bury nests in snow, destroying eggs or chicks. These stressors compound over breeding seasons as climate change accelerates, with welfare costs increasing year on year.