Gunnison Island, typically covered in plumes of white feathers during this time of year, is experiencing a dramatic decline in the number of American white pelicans.
These birds gather together during nesting season to protect the average 5,000-6,000 nests that experts have seen in recent years. However, this year, the island stands barren, raising concerns among experts.
John Luft, the Great Salt Lake ecosystem program manager, highlights the significance of Gunnison Island, stating,"It's one of the top two or three American white pelican colonies in North America." Luft reveals that during their flights in May, they observed only around 1,500 pelicans. Two weeks later, that number was cut in half, and by Thursday, there were no nesting pelicans left on the island.
Luft said he expected this decline with lake levels lowering. Since 2011, he and his team have been banding the birds, considering pelicans an indicator species for environmental changes.Gunnison Island's transformation from an island to a landmass due to rapidly decreasing water levels is considered the primary reason for the pelicans' disappearance.
Experts are striving to understand and address these issues to ensure the long-term survival of this remarkable bird species and maintain the balance of the delicate ecosystem.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bernard Lagat Named 'Great Immigrant, Great American' By CarnegieThe five-time Olympian was honored along with 34 others, including Alanis Morissette and Pedro Pascal.
Read more »
Letter: We cannot simply rely on nature to save the Great Salt LakeIn June 2022, off the eastern shore of our Great Salt Lake, near Saltair, I found reef islands firmly cropping out of the water, due to low water levels. Our very own saline archipelago! (Don’t tell our over-eager Salt Lake housing developers. We don’t want apartment complexes out there, do we?)
Read more »
Thousands of nesting birds have vanished at Great Salt Lake’s Gunnison IslandFlocks of pelicans and gulls that once darkened the sky have disappeared, and scientists say land bridges from persistent low water levels are likely to blame.
Read more »
The Great American Hero is Dead. Again.After 47 years of making sandwiches in Dallas, the Great American Hero has shuttered its new location.
Read more »
South Korea shoppers buy up salt before Japan's Fukushima water dumpSouth Korean shoppers are snapping up sea salt and other items as worry grows about their safety with Japan due to dump more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from a wrecked nuclear power plant into the sea.
Read more »