Bird flu kills half of South Atlantic's breeding elephant seals, sparking fears for future of species

Population in South Georgia has plummeted by 47%, researchers found

Researchers estimate 53,000 females died in South Georgia after bird flu hit in 2023. File picture

Bird flu has wiped out half of South Georgia’s breeding elephant seals, according to a study that warns of “serious implications” for the future of the species.

The remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean is home to the world’s largest southern elephant seal population. Researchers estimate 53,000 females died after bird flu hit in 2023.