Why Is The Ivory Gull Endangered?

1. Hunting: The Ivory Gull is hunted by humans for its feathers, meat, and eggs. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the species was heavily hunted for its feathers, which were used in the fashion industry. In some areas, the Ivory Gull was hunted to the brink of extinction.

2. Habitat loss: The Ivory Gull breeds on remote islands and coastal areas. These habitats are under threat from human activities, such as coastal development, pollution, and climate change. As a result, the Ivory Gull is losing its nesting and feeding grounds.

3. Climate change: Climate change is also affecting the Ivory Gull population. The Arctic is warming at twice the global average rate, which is causing sea ice to melt and reduce the availability of suitable breeding sites for the Ivory Gull.

4. Disease: Avian diseases can also pose a significant threat to the Ivory Gull population. One disease of particular concern is Avian Influenza (AI), which is a highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory and neurological problems in birds. AI has been detected in the Arctic, and the Ivory Gull is one of the species that is susceptible to the virus.

5. Low reproductive success: The Ivory Gull has a low reproductive rate. It typically lays only one egg per year, and the egg takes about 30 days to hatch. The chicks are then altricial, meaning they are helpless when they hatch and require constant care from their parents. As a result, the Ivory Gull has a high chick mortality rate.