Seabird in danger of extinction

A seabird that settled in large numbers on the Maltese islands has been classified “vulnerable” by Birdlife International.

The Maltese population of the Yelkouan Shearwater – or Garnija – that has been classified in a threat category higher than its previous conservation status, stands between 1,600 and 1,900.

This is an estimated 10 per cent of the Garnija world population. According to information released by BirdLife this week, extinction risks have risen for more than 100 species.

Until recently, the Maltese Garnija population was also on the decline, but this trend was reversed following an EU Life Yelkouan Shearwater Project.

The Rdum tal-Madonna Natura2000 site is home to the biggest colony of Garnija.