A deadly strain of bird flu has devastated the native wildlife population on two remote sub-Antarctic islands, killing an estimated 13,000 seal pups, as well as penguins and seabirds, researchers say.
Island Wildlife Affected
The islands, which sit about 2,485 miles southwest of mainland Australia, have long been an isolated sanctuary for breeding birds and marine mammals. Drone surveys conducted by the Australian Antarctic Program in October and January revealed images of seal pup carcasses littering the shores of Heard and McDonald Islands.
The southern elephant seal pup mortality was estimated to be 76% across a population of 17,000 seal pups born on the islands, with one area having a concentrated death rate of 97%. Data collected in January also revealed several hundred adult king penguins across Heard Island have died, with scientists noting mortality was above normal levels.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
