Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii): vulnerability to climate change
Evidence for exposure
Potential changes in breeding habitat suitability:
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Current breeding area that is likely to become less suitable (68% of current range)
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Current breeding area that is likely to remain suitable (32%)
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Current breeding area that is likely to become more suitable (0%)
Current impacts to Audouin’s Gulls attributed to climate change:
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There are no impacts of climate change recorded for this species
Predicted changes in key prey species:
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Key prey species are likely to decline in abundance on the south coast of Portugal
Sensitivity
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The majority of the population is concentrated at relatively few breeding sites. This makes the European population as a whole vulnerable to change, including from climate change.
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Audouin’s gulls are highly susceptible to other threats, in particular bycatch and predator disturbance. The species is currently sharply declining most likely due to changes in fishing discard practise and high predation rates. Any additional pressure from climate change is likely to exacerbate these declines.
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The species is highly sensitive to changes in food availability. There can be rapid population growth in years of prey abundance, but rapid declines can occur in poor years. If climate change contributes to declines in key prey species, then gull populations are likely to be heavily impacted.
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Audouin’s gulls frequently nest in low-lying or exposed areas (e.g. saltpans) , which makes them vulnerable to storms and flooding. More frequent extreme storms or flooding during the breeding season could have severe effects on populations.
Adaptive capacity
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Following changes in fishing practise and other conservation measures, this previously endangered species recovered and expanded significantly. It appears to be able to grow and colonise new areas when conditions are suitable, indicating high dispersal ability
