RESEARCHERS have identified a link between global warming and the lifestyles of albatrosses. In these animals, monogamous by nature, the "divorce" rate was seen to be higher during the warmest years. The lack of food, and the difficulty involved in finding it, appears to cause more stress to the birds, and could be causing more couples to split up.
The divorce rate appears to be increasing among albatrosses a particularly rare phenomenon in this species of bird that normally remains with the same partner for life. Researchers have studied the issue and published their results in The Royal Society journal.
The researchers, led by Francesco Ventura, a biologist at the University of Lisbon, highlighted the probable influence of global warming and particularly ocean temperatures on the love life of albatrosses.
The study focused on 15,500 black-browed albatrosses in the Falkland Islands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic, located southeast of Argentina. Starting in 2003, the researchers collected "capture-mark-recapture" data, banding breeding and nesting birds from five sub-colonies and recording each new egg and chick. They also analyzed the environment, such as ocean temperature, habitat access and nutrient supply.
The researchers noted that the divorce rate among albatrosses was higher in years when the ocean was warmest. In 2017, for example, the divorce rate was 7.7% when the water temperature was the warmest on record in the past 17 years. Typically, the divorce rate averages around 3.7%.
This environmental variable has caused some albatross pairs to fail to breed, due to poor health or stress from traveling to forage. And a difficult breeding season can lead the birds to separate, explain the researchers, who have observed new pairs being formed, particularly at the initiative of females, who find it easier to find a partner.
"Our work provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence of a significant influence of the prevailing environmental conditions on the prevalence of divorce in a long-lived socially monogamous population," conclude the researchers.
ETX Studio
Thu Dec 02 2021
Researchers have found a link between global warming and increasing divorce rates in albatrosses. - ETX Studio
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.