Climate Change Affecting Migratory Species
Research by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for the United Nations Environment Programme’s Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS) shows that even the subtle changes in environmental conditions that could be caused by climate change could have catastrophic consequences for animals that migrate.
CMS Executive Secretary Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said: “Migratory species are particularly threatened by climate change as they depend on different habitats to breed, feed and rest. The findings from the report will facilitate the Convention’s response to assist migratory species in adapting to climate change at a global level.”
Among those species that could be affected are loggerhead turtles, which frequently migrate through British waters. Risks to them include the loss of suitable beaches for nesting due to sea level rise, and a rise in temperature that could cause whole populations to be feminized, eradicating males from the species.
Green turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles are also identified as species at high risk from climate change, along with the blue whale, West African manatee and giant catfish.
ZSL Project Manager, Aylin McNamara, who led the research for UNEP/CMS, says: “Increasing temperatures, changes in precipitation, sea level rise, ocean acidification, changes in ocean currents and extreme weather events will all affect migratory species populations. The need for international efforts is imperative to support species conservation across national borders and mitigate climate change.”
She added: “These vulnerability assessments show us the likely order in which these species will become extinct. This is because under the current business as usual emissions path it’s hard to see how any of these species will be able to survive. I’m afraid that’s how serious the situation is”
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