Devastating Impact of Cyclone Ilsa on Bedout Island’s Seabirds

In 2023, Cyclone Ilsa, one of the largest and most intense storms to ever hit Australia, caused unprecedented devastation on Bedout Island, leading to the death of up to 90% of the island’s seabird colony. Bedout Island, a critical breeding ground for seabirds such as brown and masked boobies, faced severe mortality due to the storm’s ferocity. The cyclone struck during the peak nesting season, and a subsequent survey revealed a drastic reduction in bird numbers from around 25,000 to just 85. Researchers visiting the island later found extensive remains of dead birds, confirming the high mortality rate. The intensity and frequency of such storms, exacerbated by global climate change, pose a significant threat to the recovery and future survival of these seabird populations. This incident underscores the broader impacts of climate change on wildlife, beyond the more commonly discussed issues like plastic pollution.