Wildlife Vulnerability to Heatwaves: Impacts on Feeding, Breeding, and Survival
Climate change is impacting wildlife as heatwaves become longer and more intense, affecting feeding, breeding, and survival. A recent study revealed that three-quarters of land and ocean species suffered negative impacts during a major 2021 heatwave in western North America. Birds, with their high body temperatures and lack of sweat glands, struggle to cool down during heatwaves, putting young birds at risk of heat stress and dehydration. Mammals like hedgehogs and small rodents face hyperthermia and dehydration, while large mammals such as bears and koalas are also vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and death.
Invertebrates, like mussels and starfish, are severely affected when their thermal tolerance limits are exceeded during heatwaves. Fish experience reduced oxygen levels in water and increased physiological needs, leading to heat stress, disease, and mass mortality. Amphibians and reptiles, highly dependent on moisture, suffer during heatwaves as their habitats dry up, risking dehydration and reproductive disruptions. Lizards and snakes must restrict their activities during hot spells, impacting their ability to hunt for food.
The ecological impacts of heatwaves on wildlife are significant, with various species facing challenges related to heat stress, dehydration, and reproductive disruptions. It is crucial to understand and address these impacts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems in the face of climate change.