Kittiwake numbers 'down 50% in 25 years' in Wales

A seabird placed on an endangered species list has seen its numbers in Wales decline by 50% in 25 years, an expert has said. The kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) , along with the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), joined the IUCN Red List of endangered species on 12 December. The two both nest in Wales and are part of a group of nine UK-visiting birds which were put on the global list. Many of Wales' seabirds are found on south west coastal islands such as Skomer and Skokholm off Pembrokeshire. Stephen Bladwell, biodiversity manager for RSPB Cymru, said it was "quite challenging" to monitor seabird numbers, but said the charity had seen a 50% drop in kittiwake numbers over the past quarter-century. "They held on in Wales for a little bit longer so Wales seemed to be bucking the trend, but it's catching up," he said.

Source: BBC News, 17 December 2017
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42338555