A new network for seabird research and conservation in Cabo Verde is already making an impact on bird species and the local communities that live alongside them.
Seabirds are fascinating not only for their beauty but also for their biology. They are top predators in the food chain, and many of them spend several years at sea, only venturing into the mainland to breed. As marine predators connected to the whole ecosystem, their eggshells, feathers, and droppings allow scientists to learn about the diversity of our oceans, as well as detecting the presence of chemical pollutants in the sea. Hence, they are trustworthy indicators of marine and coastal ecosystems’ health.
In addition, seabirds are vital to terrestrial ecosystems, especially in remote oceanic islands where nutrient inputs may be scarce. Seabird faeces (known as guano), eggs, and traces of food they drag from the sea, are essential nutrients for the soil, vegetation, and other animals. Those nutrients will eventually be washed into coastal waters by the rain, in turn fertilising the areas where schools of fish develop. Some of those fishes will feed seabirds, thus closing the circle of life. Seabirds, therefore, play a key role in keeping fish stocks healthy. Besides, fishers have historically sought the guidance of these birds to find places with an abundance of fish – the second reason why this group of birds is so important to fishing communities.
Unfortunately, seabirds are among the most devastated and threatened species of wild animals in the world due to the intensifying series of threats they face, both at sea and on land.
Located about 600 kilometres off the Senegalese coast in the central Atlantic Ocean, thousands of seabirds find in the volcanic archipelago of Cabo Verde the mosaic of habitats they need to rest, feed, meet their partners and nest. Although the number of seabirds has significantly reduced over the years, the archipelago is still considered a seabird hotspot, with eight species breeding there.
How Cabo Verde is becoming a safe haven for seabirds
Seabirds are fascinating not only for their beauty but also for their biology. They are top predators in the food chain, and many of them spend several years at sea, only venturing into the mainland to breed. As marine predators connected to the whole ecosystem, their eggshells, feathers, and droppings allow scientists to learn about the diversity of our oceans, as well as detecting the presence of chemical pollutants in the sea. Hence, they are trustworthy indicators of marine and coastal ecosystems’ health.
In addition, seabirds are vital to terrestrial ecosystems, especially in remote oceanic islands where nutrient inputs may be scarce. Seabird faeces (known as guano), eggs, and traces of food they drag from the sea, are essential nutrients for the soil, vegetation, and other animals. Those nutrients will eventually be washed into coastal waters by the rain, in turn fertilising the areas where schools of fish develop. Some of those fishes will feed seabirds, thus closing the circle of life. Seabirds, therefore, play a key role in keeping fish stocks healthy. Besides, fishers have historically sought the guidance of these birds to find places with an abundance of fish – the second reason why this group of birds is so important to fishing communities.
Unfortunately, seabirds are among the most devastated and threatened species of wild animals in the world due to the intensifying series of threats they face, both at sea and on land.
Located about 600 kilometres off the Senegalese coast in the central Atlantic Ocean, thousands of seabirds find in the volcanic archipelago of Cabo Verde the mosaic of habitats they need to rest, feed, meet their partners and nest. Although the number of seabirds has significantly reduced over the years, the archipelago is still considered a seabird hotspot, with eight species breeding there.
How Cabo Verde is becoming a safe haven for seabirds