# Peruvian pelican population decline

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/peruvian-pelican-population-decline
> Updated: 2026-10-26T15:03:23.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The Peruvian pelican population is experiencing a significant decline, with reports indicating losses of between 40,000 and 47,000 birds. Research suggests population decreases of approximately 31.5% to 40% in certain areas.

This ecological crisis is driven by a combination of factors. Rising ocean temperatures associated with El Niño phenomena have pushed anchovies, the birds’ primary food source, into deeper, colder waters that are inaccessible to the pelicans. This food shortage is compounded by the impact of the H5N1 avian influenza epidemic.

Experts warn that the increasing frequency of El Niño events may prevent bird populations from having sufficient recovery time. In response to starvation, some activists in Lima have attempted to manually distribute fish to the birds.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Peruvian pelican populations decline by nearly 40 percent

Peruvian pelican populations have dropped by up to 37.6% due to the combined impact of H5N1 avian influenza and the El Niño phenomenon.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-pelican-populations-decline-by-nearly-40-percent

### 2026-09-29: Peru pelican population declines due to Super El Niño

Super El Niño is causing a 40% decline in Peru's pelican population as warming oceans drive away their primary food source, anchovies, leading to starvation and increased vulnerability to avian flu.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-pelican-population-declines-due-to-super-el-nio

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Cite as: Peruvian pelican population decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/peruvian-pelican-population-decline