In Dorset, UK, there's a stretch of land along the coast where
Purbeck puffins used to nest for at least decades. But now, the puffins' numbers are dropping so quickly, they could be gone within the next 15 years.
Sign the petition to save them!As of now, volunteers and researchers have spotted
only three pairs of adult puffins. And for multiple years, there has been
no sign of any babies (called "fledglings"). Two years ago, it seemed as though some parents were caring for fledglings, because they were seen bringing fish up to their carefully secluded nests. Then these deliveries suddenly stopped. Researchers concluded that tragedy had befallen the family, and that
the babies must have died.So far, investigations haven't revealed any clear cause of this population decline. That worries conservationists because, if they can't find a cause for this problem, then they can't alleviate it.
And that means this puffin colony will go extinct.According to Richard Caldow, a marine ornithologist: "It wouldn't take too much to push them over the edge.
This may be the last chance saloon for them."
Government agencies must step in to help ensure these little puffin families survive and thrive! Now that the colony is down to the last six adults, they can't wait any longer before receiving help. This is an existential emergency for them!
Sign the petition to demand immediate and urgent funding to help protect and conserve the Purbeck puffins of Dorset!