The gannet colony on Bass Rock, one of the world's largest, is showing early signs of a slow recovery following severe losses from avian flu, according to a recent survey.
Survey findings
The survey, conducted in the summer, recorded a modest increase in the number of breeding pairs compared with the previous year. However, numbers remain well below the pre-outbreak levels, indicating that the road to full recovery will be lengthy.
Researchers noted that the colony is still vulnerable, and the recovery is fragile, with many younger birds yet to return to breed.
Impact of avian flu
The avian flu outbreak in 2022 devastated the colony, killing thousands of birds. The latest figures suggest a gradual, albeit slow, rebuilding process.
Conservationists are cautiously optimistic but stress the need for continued monitoring and protection of the site.
