Resilient Lapland Terns: Modeling Their Adaptation to Climate Change in Global Change Biology

Lapland Terns and Their Adaptation to Climate Change

Lapland terns, migratory birds that travel between the polar regions and other latitudes on Earth, have adapted to a lifestyle that helps them tolerate climate change on their long journeys. Despite facing challenges with food availability during the nesting season, these birds have been able to cope with increasing carbon dioxide emissions. Researchers from various countries have been able to predict how these birds will adapt to changing conditions by modeling these changes in Global Change Biology.

Researchers tracking the migration patterns of Lapland terns nesting in Sweden, Iceland, and Greenland have determined that the species may face challenges due to potential depletion of food in the North Atlantic in the future. However, if this loss is not severe, the birds may be able to adapt. These birds travel rapidly between polar regions and nutrient-rich areas off the coast of Africa and in the Indian Ocean during their migrations.

During their spring migration from Antarctic waters, Lapland terns stop to refuel with small fish and crustaceans before nesting in the North Atlantic from May to August. While food supply may decrease during this time, researchers are uncertain about how much it will change. On their autumn migration in August to October, they feed on nutrient-rich areas off the coast of Africa and in the Indian Ocean before returning to their northern nesting grounds.

Despite potential challenges in the future, Lapland terns continue to thrive in their Antarctic feeding grounds between October and March where they fish for krill and rest on sea ice before returning northwards. As climate changes, researchers predict that while headwinds may increase, these birds will still be able to adapt to these changes. Their ability