Adapting to Climate Change: How Lapland Terns Survive in the Face of Changing Food Supplies

Lapland terns face challenges with their food supply during the nesting season, but they have adapted to climate change. Researchers have found that even with projected increases in carbon dioxide emissions by 2100, the Lapland terns nesting in Sweden, Iceland, and Greenland are not significantly impacted.

The Lapland terns embark on their spring migration from Antarctic waters in March-April, stopping to refuel with small fish and crustaceans along the way. By using locators attached to the birds, researchers have been able to track their journeys and predict how changing climate conditions may affect their food sources.

Despite potential depletion of food in the North Atlantic during the nesting season, the Lapland terns are able to adapt if the loss is not severe. The birds also dine in nutrient-rich areas on their autumn migration towards the south, finding ample food sources in the southwest coast of Africa and the waters of the Indian Ocean.

In Antarctica, where the Lapland terns fish for krill crustaceans, researchers have found that while ice is decreasing slightly, there is still enough krill for them to feed on. While headwinds may become stronger in future years, these birds have adapted their migration patterns to navigate these changes.

Overall, by studying their migration patterns and food sources, researchers can better understand how Lapland terns are adapting to environmental challenges and resilient against changing climate conditions and food availability.