Wildlife migration populations are closely monitored by satellites
Wildlife migration is followed by satellites that have been tracking the movements of animals for over 60 years. Learning how animals adapt to change, how fast or slow they can move and how long they can stay in one place. Tracking migration due to climate change shows us that certain animals can not keep up with the change in their environment and must move to find a different habitat to thrive in. Some species may already be in trouble in some areas while other animals may not show any signs of suffering at all. We just do not know which ones are which populations will suffer most during this recent warming trend.
Although warming trends cause many problems in nature, it is animals such as birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals which are directly affected by these changes. These types of wildlife reproduce differently and move around on land and in water more than other types of animals. The result is that they are very sensitive to changes in their environment and are at greater risk from climate change than most living things.
For example, at higher elevations in some habitats they have a very difficult time dealing with temperature change and rapid changes in humidity and temperatures. They must also be able to cope with sudden changes in their food supply due to expanding numbers of predators. If prey numbers increase rapidly then the rodents that live in the same food supply will also increase in number and this will aggravate the problem for the animals. They will have to eat more in order to keep up with the increased activity from both predators and prey. If they are unable to cope with the change in their environment they can become stressed and possibly perish.
As mentioned earlier, all life on earth has an element of self-preservation in that they need to survive in the current conditions in which they find themselves. However, in many cases when the conditions for their survival are becoming poor due to warming trends they may choose to exit their current environment and look for a less harsh environment to establish themselves in. One example would be the arctic animals which have to hibernate during the winter months. When the temperatures start to rise again in the spring they will once again enter their summer seasons. This is why experts believe that we may be seeing the start of a new spring migration due to climate change.
When you take a look at the photographs you will see that the animals seem to be changing their colors as the warming trend progresses. They will appear to be moving around and hanging from trees. While this might be disturbing to some people it does happen in many animals. One example is seen in the birds which typically fly from south to north in climates that are experiencing a warming trend. It is thought that they will change their migratory paths in order to avoid the colder regions which normally reduce their numbers during the breeding season.
There is also something to be concerned about with the changes in temperature which can cause an impact on the internal organs of the animals. One example of this is seen in the Arctic where the sea ice seems to be disappearing.
What does this mean?
Well, it means that these creatures that depend on sea ice for their survival may face a very harsh future.
As the world wakes up to the fact that there is a link between global warming and wildlife loss, it is important for people to become more aware of what is happening. The animals that we rely on for survival may not be able to make it through the remaining winter months due to the extreme weather conditions. It is hoped that the knowledge gained by wildlife tracking research and studies can help to better assist wildlife populations during these trying times.
Although these developments can provide a huge boost to wildlife populations, it is essential that we do all that we can to avoid having to deal with the issues associated with climate change. Satellites may well hold the answers that we are seeking regarding how to protect our wildlife. If you want to help increase wildlife populations and help to reduce the impact of climate change, then it might be worth looking into a satellite wildlife tracking study.
5 Reasons Why the Impact of Wildlife Migrations Can Be Extreme
Wildlife enthusiasts will certainly be aware of the impact of wildlife migration. This is especially the case with the big five, which has seen a recent increase in the amount of animals depleted as a direct result of human activities. These incidents have occurred in a variety of countries, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and India. However, there are a number of other locations where the impact of wildlife migration can have a negative impact on the environment.
These include Australia, New Zealand, and Palau.
The first point refers to the issue of loss of habitat. Migration routes used by animals can lead to the indirect demise of certain areas. For example, in the case of Central Australia, where the Appendices have found that up to half the species at the Ranges have disappeared over the last century. Similarly, some areas of Sri Lanka have been hit hard by the impact of wildlife migration, with the Galapagos islands in particular suffering a ‘greening’ effect. In these cases, loss of habitat has not only meant the loss of a variety of flora and fauna but also means that people cannot live within those territories.
The second impact of wildlife migration relates to the destruction of prey animals. Various estimates have suggested that animals such as koalas in Sumatra alone may have increased by up to thirty percent in just the last decade. This is due to the fact that more land has been cleared as a result of logging to provide a habitat for these animals. Additionally, encroachment on farms has meant that the prey animals such as pigs and chickens are being protected more successfully. The increased security of these creatures is likely to result in an increased trade in meat, which will only benefit the local population.
The third area where the impact of wildlife migration can have a negative impact is through the indirect effect it can have on tourism. As previously mentioned, the Galapagos islands were hit hard by the impact of wildlife migration, resulting in fewer visitors and more expensive fees for Galapagos cruises. Similarly, safaris from African countries can also put a great strain on local fisheries and lead to less fishing or none at all.
There are many examples of the direct impact wildlife migration can have on different environments, both locally and globally. One example of this is migration hot spots. These are areas where certain species occur at the most rapid rate, such as deer migration. Because of this, hunters sometimes focus on this in the hope of bringing down a large number of deer during the migration. However, this may also have a devastating effect on already over stressed ecosystems, leading to a reduction in food and water sources, and disruption of ecosystems in the areas.
The fourth major impact of wildlife migration is the impact it has on indigenous peoples of the Galapagos Islands. Wildlife depredation is widespread throughout the islands, which have led to the forced displacement of local inhabitants.
The fifth reason why the impact of wildlife migration can be so extreme is the impact it can have on islands themselves. Long periods of darkness and isolation mean that sea mammals cannot use their natural habitats to rest and breed. Without the access to food and oxygen provided by land mammals, sea urchins, and sea slugs will seek shelter inside caves and under rocks. This can cause serious social and economic problems for the people of the islands, especially when the animals are unable to return to their nesting areas and raise their young.
There are many other impacts wildlife migration can have on islands and on people as well. For instance, the birds which breed on islands must migrate every year or two to replenish themselves. The same is true of the marine iguanas, which spend much of their time at sea. When these animals stop breeding at certain times, their population in the area will dramatically decrease. Similarly, a sudden cessation of the coastal bird populations can cause drastic changes in both tourism and Eco-systems on the island.
However, all evidence points to the fact that wildlife migration is a highly beneficial process, allowing ecosystems to flourish and animals to seek food and new homes.
Provided by Antonio Westley
Disclaimer: This article is meant to be seen as an overview of this subject and not a reflection of viewpoints or opinions as nothing is definitive. So, make sure to do your research and feel free to use this information at your own discretion.
