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, loss of habitats and the effects of climate change.
We have to bear in mind that the modifications that humans make to natural environments endanger and destroy the habitats of these species of migratory birds. Migratory birds need to travel in order to find suitable places for their reproduction and foraging.
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 change in bird behavior are not entirely clear, the consequences are clear. Many times these changes mean that the birds do not link their life cycle with the food they need to consume. This can cause problems when it comes to having better or worse reproductive success.
This situation becomes more serious and with more negative consequences for birds that are smaller, such as swallows, which shorten their migratory period. This shortening is due to a milder climate and climate change affects the entire biological chain of birds, since birds of prey that feed on birds are also forced to change their hunting patterns.
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. 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.