Extreme weather threatens white stork survival in Bulgaria, study finds

A 15-year study published in Biodiversity Data Journal reveals that extreme weather events are increasingly threatening white stork survival in Bulgaria. The research, conducted by the Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Center (WRBC) of the Green Balkans NGO, analyzed admissions and treatment outcomes of injured storks from 2010 to 2025. Findings indicate that severe storms, heatwaves, and cold snaps directly cause injuries, dehydration, and starvation among storks, with mortality rates rising during extreme weather periods. The study is part of a topical collection on restoring species of conservation importance. No specific death toll or economic figures were provided, but the trend signals a broader ecological impact on migratory bird populations in the region.

Global Impact

The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence linking climate change to species decline, which could accelerate international conservation agreements and funding. Politically, the study may pressure EU member states to strengthen climate adaptation measures for biodiversity.