Every year, a number of animals move to more suitable locations where they can feed as well as possible, whether in the summer or winter months. However, As global mean temperature increases, their migration patterns changeSo there are certain species that are stopping migrating. One type of them are migratory birds, such as geese or bustards that arrive in Spain in autumn.
Why? The main cause seems to be climate change. And as they gain everything they need in their natural habitat, they gradually stop wasting energy on migration. This phenomenon is alarming, since migration is essential not only for the survival of birds, but also for the ecosystems that depend on their activity.
The last census of migratory aquatic species, that is, those that settle in wetlands, carried out in 2016, showed a total of 73.689 specimens of 53 species that spend the winter only in Castilla y LeónAlthough these figures may seem surprising, the Ministry of Development and Environment emphasizes that this is the lowest result since they began monitoring the situation.
In the rest of the country, the situation is not much better. While between 2006 and 2011 an average of 110.000 copies were registered, Now around 75.000 arrive since 2013.
According to data provided by the Spanish Society of Ornithology (SEO), the decline in the number of migratory birds has been linked to changes in climatic conditions. Considering that migrations are motivated by food availability, in addition to milder winters, migratory animals are losing their urgent need to go to other places due to climate changeThis means that birds often don't need to migrate to find what they need to survive, which can have negative consequences for biodiversity in the long term.
Since the 36s, the SEO has been observing how some species have changed or are changing their migratory patterns solely to ensure food availability when the breeding season ends. For example, a recent analysis indicates that many birds, such as the white stork, have arrived in Spain XNUMX days earlier, while others, such as the booted eagle and the black kite, have also shown significant variations in their migration dates.
Changes in the migration cycle
An analysis of nearly 37.000 observations recorded since 1980 for 18 species shows that in most cases, migration timing has shifted. Arrivals were earlier for 10 of the 16 trans-Saharan species studied, indicating a notable adjustment in their life cycles due to climate change. This earlier migration pattern has also been documented in other aspects, such as the date of the last observation for many species. In some cases, birds are already leaving breeding grounds much earlier than they did a few decades ago. This is related to the behavior of many other species, which are also changing due to climate change.
Impact on biodiversity and ecosystems
The reduction in migrations not only affects birds, but also impacts on the ecosystems that depend on their activityFor example, pollination, which depends on the timing of migratory birds and local plants, can be disrupted. If birds arrive too early and the flowers have not begun to bloom, this can affect the availability of food for birds and, ultimately, their reproductive success. This highlights how the Climate change alters bird cycles in several regions.
The change in migration patterns also affects population dynamics and species interactions. Birds such as swallows and swifts have been recorded not only arriving earlier but also adapting to warmer conditions, which could reinforce the idea that climate change is having a direct effect on their habits and life cycles. This phenomenon is crucial to understanding how they are adapting and what implications it has for the future. biodiversity in general.
Another important aspect is the phenomenon of "climate refugees." These are species that normally inhabit Mediterranean climates, but are moving northward as their habitats become less suitable. This presents an additional challenge for local ecosystems, as these species can compete with native species and alter biodiversity.
Importance of monitoring and research
It is critical that efforts to monitor migratory birds continue to better understand how climate change is affecting their patterns and populations. The Birds and Climate program, which has been in operation for more than 15 years, is an example of the efforts made to collect accurate and up-to-date data on bird movements and changes in their phenology. A recent analysis highlights that Changes in migration may not be uniform in all species and regions, so monitoring throughout Spain is important. Research in this field is essential to implement effective strategies, such as those proposed to address the Climate change and bird migration in Spain.
Collaboration between researchers and citizens through initiatives such as the SEO/BirdLife Migra Programme is essential to ensure knowledge is shared and data is collected that is useful for conservation. This information can be used to develop effective policies and actions that help protect migratory birds and their habitats, as well as to further research the impact of climate change in aquatic ecosystems.
Community relations and environmental education
Education about the impact of climate change on bird migration is crucial to raising public awareness and promoting conservation. Educational programs can involve schoolchildren and the community at large, offering them the opportunity to participate in bird watching and monitoring their migrations. Projects like the one mentioned above not only allow experts to study birds, but also give people the opportunity to learn about them. local ecosystems, biodiversity and challenges that nature faces today.
In this context, it is essential that conservationists, researchers, and citizens work together to understand the effects of climate change and respond accordingly. Protecting migratory birds and their habitats is vital not only for biodiversity but also for maintaining the health of our ecosystems.
- Climate change alters the migratory patterns of various birds.
- Bird migration is related to the food availability and weather conditions.
- Monitoring and research are crucial to the conservation of migratory birds.
- Environmental education can involve the community in the conservation of birds and habitats.
If 74000 birds arrive in Castilla y León and in all of Spain the sum is 75000, something does not suit me ...
And I do not see the relationship with climate change since no data is shown regarding it. It seems to me a simple perception of the author.
Empty article that only looks for the easy (and wrong) headline. Birds already have enough to provide the wrong information.