Status of the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) breeding population in Greenland, 2008

Abstract

Based on the intensified survey efforts (since 2003) of Greenlandic breeding colonies of black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), the total Greenland breeding population was estimated at roughly 110 000 breeding pairs, constituting about 4% of the total North Atlantic breeding population. This population estimate of black-legged kittiwake is the most reliable and updated estimate hitherto reported for Greenland. The results confirm considerable population declines in many areas of West Greenland. The breeding population of blacklegged kittiwakes in the Qaanaaq area appears healthy, whereas the rest of the west coast has experienced declines, especially the north-western region (in the area from Upernavik to Kangaatsiaq). Exactly when these reductions have occurred is uncertain because of the limited survey effort in the past, but some colonies declined as far back as the mid-1900s, whereas declines of other colonies have occurred since the 1970-80s. East Greenland data from the past are few, but recent aerial surveys confirm that the abundance of breeding kittiwakes on this inaccessible coast is low. The reasons for the West Greenland declines are not documented. Poor feeding conditions and a high hunting pressure, particularly prior to 2002 when the open season was shortened considerably, are possible explanations.

Circumpolar dynamics of a marine top‐predator track ocean warming rates

“…The proportion of declining colonies was higher in period 1991-2000 (average: 66%, 95% CI: 60%-73%) than in [1975][1976][1977][1978][1979][1980][1981][1982][1983][1984][1985][1986][1987][1988][1989][1990] (average: 44%, 95% CI: 38%-50%) and 2001-2010 (average: 58%, 95% CI: 52%-64%), but confidence intervals overlapped between periods 1991-2000 and 2001-2010. 3.2 | Temporal changes in the spring SST effects on kittiwake colony size Previous results indicated that kittiwake decline was more pronounced when spring SST was rapidly warming. Outside the periods of rapid ocean warming, the association between ocean warming and kittiwake dynamics was weaker (Figures 2 and 4) (Frederiksen, Wanless, Harris, Rothery, & Wilson, 2004;Labansen, Merkel, Boertmann, & Nyeland, 2010;Sandvik et al, 2014). Changes in kittiwake population trends tracked changes in trends of spring SST around the colonies and when the ocean warming was faster, the decline in kittiwake colony size was steeper.…”

Climate change and the ecology and evolution of Arctic vertebrates

“…100 Recent changes in sea ice regimes (both in extent and duration) are providing opportunities for this region to host larger seabird populations (e.g., kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla and common eiders Somateria mollissima) and for the establishment of new breeding species-like black-backed gulls Larus marinus and Larus fuscus. [101][102][103][104] The kittiwake nicely illustrates the ongoing changes in range shifts for widespread species: its populations are increasing and its distribution range is expanding in the Arctic, while they are simultaneously declining in Europe at the southern border of its range. 102,103,105 The first records of gray seals Halichoerus grypus in southern Greenland, harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena in Svalbard and well-documented shifts in gray whale Eschrichtius robustus distribution suggest that range shifts are also occurring quite broadly among marine mammals that are resulting in traditionally more southerly species spending more time in the Arctic as well as regular Arctic migrants staying for longer periods.…”

“…[101][102][103][104] The kittiwake nicely illustrates the ongoing changes in range shifts for widespread species: its populations are increasing and its distribution range is expanding in the Arctic, while they are simultaneously declining in Europe at the southern border of its range. 102,103,105 The first records of gray seals Halichoerus grypus in southern Greenland, harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena in Svalbard and well-documented shifts in gray whale Eschrichtius robustus distribution suggest that range shifts are also occurring quite broadly among marine mammals that are resulting in traditionally more southerly species spending more time in the Arctic as well as regular Arctic migrants staying for longer periods. 41 Another consequence of the reduction of sea ice is that many islands currently connected to the mainland by ice bridges for most of the year will become ice free for a longer period.…”