Why are snow petrels at risk?

Climate change: Rising sea levels are reducing the amount of nesting habitat available for snow petrels. Additionally, changes in ocean currents and sea ice extent are affecting the availability of their food sources.

Direct human impacts: Snow petrels are sometimes caught as bycatch in commercial fishing operations, and their nesting sites can be disturbed or destroyed by human activities such as tourism and mining.

Invasive species: Introduced predators such as rats and foxes can prey on snow petrel eggs and chicks, and introduced plants can alter their nesting habitat.

Disease: Snow petrels are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including avian cholera and Newcastle disease. These diseases can be spread by contact with other birds or by contaminated food or water.