Native trees and seabirds help tropical islands adapt to rising seas

Low-lying tropical atoll islands may be able to keep up with rising sea levels when they are covered in native forests and host abundant seabird populations, Mongabay reported. [1][2]

Seabirds play a key role in island ecosystems by functioning as biological pumps. According to Mongabay, these birds transfer critical nutrients from their feeding grounds in the open ocean to their roosting and nesting locations on land. [1]

Seabirds typically nest in dense colonies on predator-free islands and exhibit long lifespans, delayed maturity, and extended parental care for their offspring. They possess specialized adaptations such as waterproof plumage and salt glands to process seawater. [5]

The findings suggest that ecological restoration, including the protection of native forests and seabird habitats, provides a natural mechanism to help vulnerable island environments withstand sea level rise. [1]