"Climate Crisis Pushes Albatross ‘Divorce’ Rates Higher – Study"

"Researchers say warmer waters mean birds are travelling further for food and becoming more stressed, triggering relationship breakdowns"

"Albatrosses, some of the world’s most loyally monogamous creatures, are “divorcing” more often – and researchers say global heating may be to blame.

In a new Royal Society study, researchers say climate change and warming waters are pushing black-browed albatross break-up rates higher. Typically after choosing a partner, only 1-3% would separate in search of greener romantic pastures.

But in the years with unusually warm water temperatures, that average consistently rose, with up to 8% of couples splitting up. The study looked at a wild population of 15,500 breeding pairs in the Falkland Islands over 15 years.

For seabirds, warmer waters mean less fish, less food and a harsher environment. Fewer chicks survive. The birds’ stress hormones increase. They are forced farther afield to hunt."

Tess McClure reports for the Guardian November 23, 2021.

Source: Guardian, 11/29/2021