How extreme weather impacts white stork survival in Bulgaria

A recent 15-year study conducted in Bulgaria has shed light on the alarming impact of extreme weather events on the white stork population. The research, published in the Biodiversity Data Journal, analyzed data from the Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center (WRBC) of the Green Balkans NGO, which has been treating injured white storks since 2010. The study, part of the "Restoration of species of conservation importance" collection, examined admissions and treatment outcomes of storks over a 15-year period, from 2010 to 2025.

The findings reveal a concerning trend of increasing admissions of injured white storks, particularly during extreme weather events such as storms and heatwaves. The researchers found that the number of storks admitted to the center has been rising steadily over the years, with a significant spike in 2020 and 2022, coinciding with severe weather conditions. The study's authors attribute this trend to the changing climate, which is likely to exacerbate the risk of injuries and mortality among white storks. The WRBC has been working tirelessly to treat and rehabilitate injured storks, but the study's findings highlight the need for continued conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.

The study's results serve as a warning about the growing threat of climate change to white stork populations in Bulgaria and beyond. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, conservation efforts must adapt to address the changing needs of this iconic species. The findings of this study will inform conservation strategies and help protect the white stork population, a crucial step in preserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change.