Currently there are various global environmental problems, which are causing an alarming impact on the planet. One of these is climate change, which we can define as the alteration of climate patterns on a global scale, as a result of the warming of the earth from the actions caused by human beings. Despite the attempt of some sectors to cast doubt on this, the scientific community has made clear the reality of the issue and the adverse consequences that we must face.
Among the various unfavorable effects caused by climate change, we find the impact suffered by animal diversity, since it is strongly affected by climate changes in many of its habitats, which in some cases puts pressure on even to the point of extinction. On our site, we show you an article about the animals most affected by climate change so that you know which ones they are. Keep reading!
How does climate change affect animals?
The increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is what causes the average temperature of the earth to rise steadily and brings as a consequence the set of various alterations that we know like climate change. When the weather patterns change, as a result of the aforementioned, a series of circumstances occur that end up affecting the animals.
Climate change affects animals in different ways, let's get to know some of them:
- Little rain: There are regions where, due to climate variations, the rainfall has begun to decrease. So the availability of water for animals tends to be less because not only is there less water to consume, but also water bodies such as lakes, rivers and natural ponds, vital for the development of certain species, are restricted.
- Torrential rains: in other areas, torrential rains occur, often associated with climatic phenomena such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which undoubtedly impacts the animal biodiversity of the place.
- The reduction of sea ice sheets in the polar areas: considerably affects the animal biodiversity that develops in these areas, since they are adapted and depend on the natural conditions that characterize the arctic spaces of the planet.
- Incubation temperature: Some animals that reproduce oviparously burrow into the ground to lay their eggs, doing so in warmer than normal areas, the natural reproductive processes of some species are altered.
- Temperature Variations: It has been identified that certain species that transmit diseases in animals have expanded their distribution range, as a result of temperature variations.
- Vegetation: by changing the climate in the habitats, there is a direct impact on the vegetation that is part of the diet of various animals of the place. Therefore, if it decreases or is altered, the fauna that depends on it is alarmingly affected because its food is scarce.
- Temperature rises in the oceans: influence sea currents, on which many animals depend to follow their migratory routes. On the other hand, this also affects the reproduction of certain species in these habitats, which ultimately affects the food webs of these ecosystems.
- Carbon dioxide is absorbed into the oceans: increasing these concentrations has resulted in the acidification of marine bodies, changing the chemical conditions of the habitat of many animal species that are impacted by this alteration.
- Climate impact: in many cases causes the forced migration of various species to other ecosystems that are not always the most suitable for them.
Animal species in danger of extinction due to climate change
Below we present some of the animal species in danger of extinction due to climate change:
- Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus): One of the iconic species most affected by climate change is the polar bear. The animal is strongly impacted by the decrease in the ice layer, which it needs to move and find its food. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of this animal are adapted to inhabit these frozen ecosystems, so increases in temperature also alter its he alth.
- Corals: they are animals that belong to the cnidarian phylum and live in colonies that are commonly called coral reefs. The increase in temperature and the acidification of the oceans affect these animals, which are highly susceptible to these variations. Currently, there is consensus in the scientific community on the high degree of global damage that corals have, as a result of climate change.[1]
- Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): This animal depends directly on bamboo for food, since it is practically its only source of nutrition. Among other reasons, all estimates indicate that climate change is causing major alterations in the giant panda's habitat, reducing the availability of food.
-
Sea Turtles: Several species of sea turtles are in danger of extinction due to climate change. For example, the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). On the one hand, the rise in sea level, as a result of the melting of the poles, causes flooding in spawning areas of the turtles. Also, temperature influences the determination of sex, so its increase heats the sand more and alters the proportion of it in the turtles that are being born. In addition, the development of storms also impacts nesting areas.
- Snow leopard (Panthera uncia): this feline naturally lives in extreme conditions and climate change threatens the snow leopard. the snows with the alteration of its habitat, which would affect the availability of prey to hunt, forcing it to move and come into conflict with other feline species.
- Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri): the main effect on this animal is the decrease and concentration of sea ice, which is necessary for their reproduction and development of the offspring. Likewise, climatic variations also affect the conditions of the ocean, which in the same way affect the species.
- Lemurs: these endemic primates of Madagascar are strongly affected, among other reasons, by climatic variations that affect, on the one hand, the decreased rainfall, increasing periods of drought that influence the production of trees that are a source of food for these animals. On the other hand, the development of cyclones in the area due to climate change.
- Common Toad (Bufo bufo): this amphibian, like many others, has altered its reproductive biological processes due to rising temperatures of the water bodies where they develop, which in several species causes an advance of spawning. On the other hand, this thermal effect on the water reduces the availability of dissolved oxygen, which also affects the larvae of these animals.
- Narval (Monodon monoceros): Changes in the Arctic sea ice, as a result of global warming, affect the habitat of this mammal marine, as well as that of the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), since the distribution of prey is modified. Unexpected changes in the climate modify the ice cover, often causing several of these animals to become trapped in small spaces between the polar blocks, which ultimately causes their death.
- Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida): Loss of ice habitat is the main threat to this animal, which is seen affected by global warming. The ice cover is essential for the young, and when it decreases, it affects their he alth and induces a higher mortality rate, in addition to causing greater exposure to predators. Climate variations also affect food availability.
Other animals affected by climate change
Let's get to know other animal species that are also affected by climate change:
- Caribou or reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
- Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
- Grass Frog (Rana temporaria)
- Cochabamba Finch (Compsospiza garleppi)
- Ear-tailed Hummingbird (Hylonympha macrocerca)
- Iberian Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
- American pica (Ochotona princeps)
- European Common Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
- koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
- Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
- Imperial Amazon (Amazona imperialis)
- Bumblebees
Animals extinct due to climate change
Some species were unable to withstand the ravages caused by climatic changes, so they have already become extinct. Let's meet some extinct animals due to climate change:
- Melomys rubicola: Melomys from Caye Bramble was endemic to Australia, the recurring cyclonic phenomena caused by climate change wiped out the existing population.
- Incilius periglenes: Known as the golden toad, it was a species that lived in Costa Rica and due to various causes, including the global warming, it's gone.
Climate change is currently one of the serious environmental problems that have a global impact. Given the negative impact on humanity, it seeks mechanisms to mitigate these effects. However, in the case of animals the same does not happen, they are highly vulnerable to this situation. In this way, more actions are urgently needed to minimize the damage suffered by animal species on the planet.
