Animals, like humans, suffer and suffer from high temperatures caused by the heat wave. These extreme temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees, can cause sudden deaths and a reduction in the populations of those species most sensitive to the sweltering heat. Below, we explain in more detail how these are affected temperatures so high to species such as bees and birds.
One species that is suffering from this rise in temperatures are the bees, since the heat has caused the flowers to dry out and do not produce nectar they need such bees. This has caused honey production to fall this year up to 60% less than in 2014. You can also read about how these temperatures impact other animals in how heat affects animals.
In relation to the birds, it is still early to know the effects that the heat wave has on them, because during these months they are in the process of reproduction. Either way, extreme heat causes more drought and less water so that these species can properly feed their young, negatively impacting the number of birds.
To protect yourself from the effects of high temperatures, birds often use its plumage and beak to regulate their body temperature. Birds that live in the city have a better chance of survival than those that live in the wild, as they have food and water in a much more accessible and easy way. Furthermore, climate change contributes to these species having to adapt to new conditions, as mentioned in the impacts of heat waves.
As soon as to the effects of heat In animals, this depends on their physiognomy and strength. Thus, dogs are quite sensitive to the high temperatures and they seek contact with the ground to cool off a bit. Most animals behave very much like humans and are often look for the shadow and cool places to avoid the heat.
Impact of Heat on Wildlife
Heat emanating from the asphalt, lack of water, and scarcity of shelter are just some of the difficulties animals face during heat waves. In mid-June of last year, Madrid experienced one of the most spring-like heat waves in history, with temperatures between 7 and 12 degrees above normal levels. In 2023, July 3rd was marked as the hottest day in the world since measurements have been taken, reaching 17,01°C, surpassing the previous record of 16,92°C in August 2016.
It is important to note that the effects of heat can immediately cause a decrease in the number of young shoots of the year and an increase in the death of adult individuals, both in the animal and plant kingdoms. These effects would not be significant for biodiversity conservation if these extreme episodes occurred anecdotally, but the forecast that heat waves will increase in frequency and intensity due to the climate change It is evident, as also mentioned in global warming in heat waves.
How High Temperatures Affect Wildlife
The first instinct to avoid heat is to get away from it, either by taking refuge in cool, shady places or by getting wet to prevent skin dehydration. However, the effects of heat on wild species depend directly on their physiognomy.
Arthropods, fish, amphibians and reptiles are animals ectotherms; they cannot actively control their internal temperature and instead regulate it based on that of their environment. Therefore, an increase in ambient temperatures will cause their body temperature to rise, which can have fatal consequences for their survival.
- Amphibians They are particularly sensitive. Excessive temperatures or changes in rainfall patterns can affect their reproductive success and even be lethal. Depending on their ability to move to cooler areas, their population may decline significantly.
- The reptiles They seek refuge in cooler places during hot weather. This behavior, however, reduces their feeding time, weakening individuals and decreasing their reproductive rate. Some reptile species determine the offspring's development based on the egg's incubation temperature, which can lead to population imbalances.
- The insects, especially pollinators such as the honeybee (Apis mellifera), suffer from drought, which limits nectar production. This results in weakened colonies and an increased risk of disease and mortality during the winter.
Heat Adaptation Strategies in Animals
Most birds and mammals are animals endothermsThey generate internal heat through the chemical combustion of food to maintain an adequate body temperature. Their strategies for coping with extreme heat are both intrinsic and extrinsic.
- The birds They use their feathers and beaks to regulate their body temperature. As they are breeding, the lack of water due to drought limits the availability of food for their young. Many chicks cannot tolerate the heat in the nest and die from dehydration or falls.
- The mammals They can activate mechanisms such as sweating and panting to increase evaporation and cooling. Some, such as hares, have networks of blood vessels in their skin to facilitate heat loss.
Changing habits, such as adjusting your active periods to the early and late hours of the day, or seeking out water sources, are key to surviving in extreme conditions.
Consequences of Heat on Domestic Animals
Pets, such as dogs and cats, are especially vulnerable to heat, as their ability to sweat is limited to certain areas, such as the pads of their paws and nose. This makes them prone to heatstroke. heat hits.
The symptoms of heat stroke are described below:
- Rapid breathing with the mouth open.
- Deep red or bluish mucous membranes.
- Increased body temperature.
- General weakness, lethargy, or inability to move.
- Tremors or seizures.
- Excessive drooling.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Loss of consciousness.
If these symptoms appear, it is advisable to take the animal to the veterinarian as soon as possible, as early intervention can save its life. During transport, it is advisable to wet areas such as the animal's mouth, pads, neck, and armpits, but never use cold water abruptly.
Preventive Measures to Protect Pets
To prevent heat stroke in pets, the following measures should be implemented:
- Avoid walks and physical activities during the warmest hours.
- Provide shade and cool shelter.
- Do not leave animals in closed vehicles or in sunny, poorly ventilated areas.
- Make sure they always have access to fresh water and hydrate them frequently.
The Role of Owners in Prevention
Pet owners should be informed about how extreme heat can affect their animals and act accordingly. They should be alert to signs of stress and take proactive measures to ensure their animals' health and well-being. If you'd like to learn more about how these weather events affect wildlife, you can read about mammals and birds that adapt to climate change.
Tips to improve the well-being of wild and domestic animals
With rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, educating people about the risks to animals is more important than ever. Here are some practical tips:
- Install accessible water and feeders for birds and other urban animals.
- Provide shelters such as nest boxes or dense shrubbery to help birds and small mammals stay cool.
- For caged animals, installing fans and cooling systems can be a great help.
- Avoid walking on hot pavement, especially for dogs, as it can cause burns on their paw pads.
The Influence of Climate Change on Fauna
El climate change It is one of the most significant challenges facing the planet's fauna and flora. According to numerous studies, many species have greater difficulty adapting to heat than to cold. Inheritance and kinship with previous species that lived in colder times limits the heat tolerance of certain animals.
High temperatures directly affect the food chain, causing changes in behavior, the dispersal of species in search of more favorable conditions, and even the death of individuals that fail to adapt to the change. For example, species such as lungfish and some amphibians They have estivation practices that allow them to survive periods of extreme heat by slowing down their metabolism, a phenomenon that has also been studied in animals of the sahara desert.
As heat waves become more frequent, it is crucial to prioritize animal welfare. The implications of extreme weather not only affect animal health, but also their behavior and reproduction. Educating owners and the general public about how extreme heat affects animals is imperative to encourage actions to mitigate its effects.
It's important for every pet owner to be aware of the need to take action against climate change, implementing practices that benefit not only their pets but also local ecosystems.
Finally, it is essential to implement policies that protect both wild and domestic animals, ensuring their well-being through the creation of shelters and preserved natural spaces that provide them with a safe and suitable place during periods of peak temperatures.
