Record numbers of puffins counted

RECORD numbers of puffins have been counted at two of Wales’ most treasured wildlife homes.

Skomer and Skokholm islands are home to not only vast seabird colonies but are also considered a wildlife haven.

The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales (WTSWW) revealed the record-breaking number despite the bird being red listed and declared a conservation concern at risk of extinction.

The reasons for the rise in Atlantic Puffin population is unclear but WTSWW and fieldworkers from Oxford and Gloucester Universities are carrying out monitoring and research projects in the hope of understanding the increase and replicating it elsewhere.

The treasured islands have long been a pride and joy to the Welsh coastline, tucked away in Pembrokeshire – and attract visitors from all over the world alongside being a regular spot to discover vibrant wildlife in the country.

The success comes as puffin colonies elsewhere in the world decline, putting them at risk of extinction; however, WTSWW has recorded at least 49,507 puffins in Skomer, Skokholm and the seas off Pembrokeshire Special Protection Area.

A spokeswoman for the Trust said: “The Wildlife Trust’s islands of Skomer and Skokholm are internationally important for their seabird populations.

“We are so excited to report that our April 2022 Skomer Island puffin count has confirmed that these iconic birds are back in their thousands – 38,896 to be exact.

“The Atlantic Puffin population on Skomer has increased by a massive 240% in the last ten years.

“This is at odds with declines seen in puffin numbers at other UK colonies, especially those in northern Britain where losses have been significant. Puffins continue to be at risk of extinction in parts of their range and are red listed as a bird of conservation concern.”