Climate change is making change the migration patterns of many migratory birds. Changes in the temperatures of ecosystems, advances in seasons, etc. They cause the birds to change their movements.
These migratory changes based on either advancement, delay or duration could have serious consequences for the survival of certain species. Why is this happening?
Changes in migration patterns
Climate change brings spring forward in many parts of the world. That is why the birds make their migratory journey weeks before, since they perceive that the temperatures are already more pleasant to be able to live and begin their reproductive periods.
A study has been carried out that analyzes changes in the migratory patterns of birds and how they can affect their survival. The study shows that 15% of the nearly 1.800 species of migratory birds in the world are in danger of extinction. The most obvious reasons are: illegal hunting, habitat loss, and the effects of climate change. The latter factor has led to the decline of migratory birds in several regions, as can be seen in the case of the reduction of migratory birds in Spain, which shows the impact of climate change on migratory birds.
We must bear in mind that the changes we humans make to natural environments endanger and destroy the habitats of these migratory bird species. Migratory birds need to travel to find suitable breeding and foraging grounds, which highlights the importance of learning about them. types of migration.
Around the world there are 10.000 species of birds and of these, 1.800 are those that need to travel and are therefore migratory. These data are intended to encourage education and public awareness about the need to protect these birds and their habitats.
Migratory birds and climate change
As I mentioned before, climate change causes rising temperatures and advancing seasons. That is why it has forced many species of birds to change their migratory phenology. It has also forced them to change their breeding areas, other species to change their wintering times and others to shorten their migration periods. Ultimately, these changes are putting the survival of many migratory species is in danger.
Although the negative effects of changes in bird behavior are not entirely clear, the consequences are. These changes often prevent birds from linking their life cycles to the food they need, impacting their reproductive success, especially in smaller birds such as swallows. This shortening of the life cycle is due to a milder climate, and climate change affects the entire bird life chain, as birds of prey that prey on small birds are also forced to change their hunting patterns, further highlighting the impact of climate change on the ecosystem.
Changes in migration and sustainable development
To promote sustainable development and good conservation of both migratory and non-migratory birds, an attempt is made to promote an awareness that helps the relationship between human beings and nature so that birds are well conserved since we share the same planet and have the same limited resources. It also tries to draw attention to the need for a sustainable management of natural resources. for the good of birds and the future of humanity.
We have to bear in mind that migration for birds is a very dangerous journey and that it exposes the animals that make it to a multitude of threats. Many of those threats they are caused by human activities. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the impact of global warming in ecosystems to protect birds and support the conservation of migratory birds.
That is why a great effort is required on the part of governments, NGOs and everyone who is interested in conserving birds to ensure the migratory routes of birds. In this way they will have the minimum impact on the journey and we can ensure their survival.
