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Wildlife survival in the changing climate. |
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by Vivian Nabisere | 22-03-2022 06:56
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Wildlife survival in the changing climate.
Climate change causes decline in favorable conditions for wildlife species which threatens their continuation and can lead to extinction. The changing climate is characterized by global warming, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and melting of glaciers and snow caps which can be termed climate stress. Both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are sensitive to climate stress which is evident in changes in flora and fauna species populations and distribution with the shifting climatic conditions, which can further reduce the availability of resources used for livelihood by humans. (Muhweezi, 2014) The following are some of the ways in which wildlife is adversely affected under climate stress. Extreme weather events such as heavy rains ( which can increase frequency of mudslides and landslides), floods, drought and wildfires can kill animals directly or cause food and water insecurity which lead to starvation and disease in animals. Furthermore, the high frequency and intensity of extreme weather events causes migration of animals to regions that may have a high predation risk and scarce food and space resources available. There is increased prevalence of invasive weed species as a result of favorable ecological conditions created by the rising temperatures. A good example is Lantana camarais, an invasive species that displaces animal pastures in grassland wildlife areas and is resilient to dry conditions, which is likely to expand its range under future climate stressors in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. (Muhweezi, 2014) As a result, food availability to herbivores reduces, which can lead to starvation and further cause scarcity of food for predators. The rising temperatures are not suitable for growth and reproduction of some plant life which reduces the plant biomass in the habitats. This decreases the food available for the animals. For instance, in Mt. Karisimbi in Kisoro district, Uganda, landslides and higher temperatures destroy forage biomass such as galium which has reduced food availability to the gorillas that inhabit the region and can cause starvation. (Mwijuke, 2022) The high temperatures also cause melting of mountain glaciers which reduces annual water flow to water bodies draining from there. For example snow on Mt. Rwenzori reduced by 40% between 1995 and 2011 which decreased the year- round water flow to the rivers and streams draining from it and further affected aquatic biodiversity and human activities that rely on water in the Rwenzori hydrological system. Human activities include hydroelectric power generation on Mubuku River and water-based tourism activities. (Muhweezi, 2014) The survival of all ecosystems is essential to the development of human health, social and economic systems in various ways. It is therefore critical for policymakers to formulate and implement policies and strategies that improve long-term monitoring of vegetation and natural animal habitats and that also strengthen capacity of wildlife protection bodies like Uganda Wildlife Authority so as to promote effective support response to climate damage in protected areas and enable conservation of flora and fauna. References Mwijuke, A. (2022) Nature's fury threatens Mountain gorillas https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/magazine/nature-s-fury-threatens-mountain-gorillas-3752632?view=htmlam Muhweez A. B. , (August, 2014) AFRICAN AND LATIN AMERICAN RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE (ARCC) : CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY IN UGANDA |
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2 Comments
Hello Vivian, this is your mentor Chelwoon.
Flora and fauna in the world are interconnected. As the global temperature has risen consistently over time, we have seen one species at a time becoming endangered. Right until today, where we see humankind being threatened as well. This is the situation where we are in now. The rise in temperature must pose an immediate threat to human health and the environment. In order to slow down increasing temperatures, first and foremost, we have to realize Net Zero Carbon Emission. The rising temperatures could lead to a variety of disasters due to dramatical global climate change.
Thank you for the article!
Regards,
Chelwoon
Posted 24-03-2022 02:30
Hello Vivian, this is your mentor Joon.
Climate change is affecting diverse part and entities of ecosystem. Glaciers are melting, gases are emitted, water surface level is rising, average temperature is rising and so many different consequences are observed. Due to mentioned consequences, some animals are facing threats of extinction and some are moving their habitat to other regions leaving age-long sanctuary that they have settled down. We need to slow down and stop climate change as soon as possible.
Well read your article, and let's keep up!
Best,
Joon
Posted 23-03-2022 00:44