There is no denying the fact that earth’s climate has been changing throughout the history. But the current trends are considered of significant importance as changes are taking place rapidly. The climate patterns are changing and human-made activities are primarily responsible for this. The burning of fossil fuels is considered as the main cause of climate change. The burning of fuels results in the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases include carbon, hydrocarbons, sulphur, nitrogen, etc. These gases, when are emitted in the atmosphere, traps the sun’s radiation, causing global warming. This global warming eventually results in climate change. The global warming and climate change are further responsible for warming oceans, melting ice caps, extreme weather conditions, the acidity of oceans, etc. Together, these factors are posing a threat to wildlife, taking species on the brink of extinction.
One of the published studies has suggested that land mammals and reptiles that are residing in the Pacific islands are facing extinction due to habitat loss and other threats originated due to climate change. The study has suggested that increases in sea level rise, wave heights along with intense cyclones, resulting in habitat destruction of several species. Due to this habitat loss and disruption in their ecosystem, these species are facing issues related to their survival.
Another study suggests that wildlife will suffer from longer transition into spring. The new study claimed that climate change would affect the vernal window. It is the time between the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season. Due to climate change, there would be warmer and less snowy winters. As a result, this transition period stays open longer, adversely affecting the wildlife. The lead author, Alix Contosta, further explains that if there would have been a lot of snow and the window open wide at once. But due to warm temperature, the window is inches opening. All this affects the fruit plants growth. The spring is happening earlier and migratory animals are arriving on their time, finding less food. This eventually affects their whole ecosystem.
If we talk particularly of Africa, the continent’s biodiversity is a vital natural resource. Over the years, climate change has emerged as a silent threat to wildlife. The changing weather patterns result in shifting in habitat composition, disrupting their ecosystem and decreasing survival rate in young ones. The shrinking natural water habitats because of rising temperatures are posing different challenges to animals like elephants, rhino, hippo, etc. These animals need a lot of water to drink or to cool them down.
The global community should come forward to protect these endangered species. Conservation plans to protect vulnerable wildlife should be implemented. Along with this, ecological monitoring in protected areas should be done. Furthermore, wildlife migration routes must be protected and natural water resources and habitats should be secured in order to protect the wildlife.
