New discovery: Barnacle geese migration

The latest scientific news reveals that migration gives birds’ immune systems a break. 

2nd April 2015
Stuart Blackman
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Barnacle geese

Scientists have discovered a novel advantage of avian long-haul migration. Dutch barnacle geese that migrate to Svalbard to breed have been found to ‘turn down’ their immune systems compared with those that stay in the Netherlands year-round – perhaps they are exposed to fewer infectious diseases in the frozen north. The energy saved can be spent on reproduction.

Source PLoS ONE

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