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Skomer Island Hosts Record 52,019 Puffins, Defying Decline

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales recorded 52,019 puffins on Skomer Island, a high that surpasses the 2025 record of 43,626.
Warden Leighton Newman said the count shows Skomer bucking the UK-wide decline in puffin numbers.
The trust attributes the increase to abundant fish, high winter survival and the island’s lack of land predators.
The data inform seabird conservation strategies and support a £40,000 “Big Give” fundraising campaign.

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Story summary

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales recorded 52,019 puffins on Skomer Island, a high that surpasses the 2025 record of 43,626.
Warden Leighton Newman said the count shows Skomer bucking the UK-wide decline in puffin numbers.
The trust attributes the increase to abundant fish, high winter survival and the island’s lack of land predators.
The data inform seabird conservation strategies and support a £40,000 “Big Give” fundraising campaign.