When we think of seagulls, it’s often with a mix of amusement and annoyance. We see them scavenging at the beach, stealing chips, and sometimes making a mess. But gulls, like all wildlife, have an important role in the ecosystem, and their declining populations are cause for concern. This blog will explore why we should care about gulls, the challenges they face due to human activity, and how wildlife hospitals like Brent Lodge are stepping in to protect these misunderstood creatures.
GULLS - MORE THAN A SEASIDE NUISANCE
You might be surprised to learn that there is no bird species named 'seagull'! The bird we may commonly refer to as seagulls are actually just called gulls – and there's more than one kind. "Seagull" is a general term for the many species of gulls, which are a large family of seabirds. Gulls are often associated with beaches and coastal towns, but their natural habitats extend far beyond these familiar spaces. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem, acting as scavengers and helping to control the populations of smaller animals, such as fish and invertebrates. They also aid in nutrient cycling, contributing to the health of marine and coastal environments. But their habitats are changing rapidly, and not for the better.
While most of these birds may appear to be thriving, the herring gull is on the IUCN red list of threatened species - the highest level - for British bird species of concern, because their population has dropped by 72% in 55 years.
HUMAN ACTIVITY ON GULL POPULATIONS
Habitat Destruction
One of the primary reasons for the decline in gull populations is the destruction of their natural habitats. Coastal development—building homes, businesses, and tourist facilities—disrupts their nesting sites. Wetlands, cliffs, and islands, which are important breeding grounds for many gull species, are being reduced as human populations expand and develop coastal areas.
When gulls lose their natural breeding habitats, they are forced to move to urban areas in search of food and shelter, which is why we often see them scavenging in cities. This urban shift not only disrupts their natural behaviours but also leads to conflicts with humans, reinforcing negative perceptions of these birds.
Pollution and Food Sources
Pollution, especially plastic waste, poses another significant threat to all water birds but especially gulls. These birds often mistake plastic debris for food, ingesting harmful materials that can lead to injury or death. Overfishing also affects their populations by depleting the fish stocks they rely on for survival. As fish numbers dwindle, gulls are left with fewer food sources, forcing them to scavenge in landfills or urban environments, which exposes them to more human-related hazards like entanglement, poisoning, or vehicle collisions.
Climate Change
Climate change is having a dramatic effect on the world’s wildlife, and seagulls are no exception. Rising sea levels threaten coastal nesting sites, while changes in fish populations due to warming oceans alter the availability of their primary food sources. As ocean temperatures rise and fish move to cooler waters, gulls have to travel further to find food, which can affect their reproductive success.
WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT GULLS?
Ecological Importance
Gulls are integral to the balance of coastal ecosystems. As opportunistic feeders, they help keep animal populations in check and clean up carrion and waste, which could otherwise spread disease. Their presence or absence can serve as indicators of the overall health of an ecosystem. A decline in gull populations often signals deeper issues within the marine and coastal environments, such as overfishing or pollution.
Biodiversity Loss
Each species, gulls included, plays a unique role in the web of life. When we lose a species or see its numbers dramatically reduced, it disrupts this balance. Biodiversity is key to maintaining healthy ecosystems, which in turn supports human life. If gull populations continue to decline, it could have a domino effect, impacting other species and the environments they inhabit.
Ethical Responsibility
Beyond the ecological arguments, there’s an ethical reason to care about gulls: human actions are a direct cause of their decline. From pollution to habitat destruction, we have created many of the challenges they now face. Taking responsibility for their well-being is part of being good stewards of the planet and ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from the natural world.
At Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, we’re dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, including gulls. While they might not always be the most beloved species, they are just as deserving of care and protection as any other animal.
HOW CAN WE HELP GULLS
Firstly, people need to be aware gulls are a protected species.
The RSPB has urged people to find ways to live alongside gulls, with minimal disturbance to and from gulls, offering the following advice:
Gulls should not be fed by humans, as they are a resourceful species and are very capable of finding their own food
People should dispose of rubbish properly so gulls are not able to access it
People should eat next to a wall, so opportunistic gulls cannot fly behind them and take any food
It is important to note that parent birds will protect their chicks, which can include swooping at humans if they believe their babies are at risk
Gulls are a vital part of our ecosystem, and their decline is a warning sign that we cannot ignore. By understanding the challenges they face and taking action to protect them, we can help ensure their survival for generations to come. At Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, we are committed to providing these birds with the care and attention they need, but we can’t do it alone. Together, we can make a difference for gulls and the many other creatures that share our world.
Our seaside experience would be a much less exciting place without our iconic gulls!
By Asha park
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