Birds are moving to higher altitudes due to fogged forests and rising temperatures: study
Birds are
moving to higher altitudes due to fogged forests and rising temperatures: study
Intriguing
ecological changes have been found in an IISc study examining the effects
of logging and climate change on tropical mountain forests rich in
biodiversity. Larger birds decreased in logged forests, but smaller species are
being forced to higher, cooler elevations by logging-related temperature
increases, according to an analysis of data on insect-eating tropical birds
gathered over a ten-year period.
Reducing Stocks and Increasing Rivalry
The latest study finds that fewer insects that are essential
to bird diets are present in logged woods. Not only do these disrupted
environments have lower humidity and higher average temperatures, but many
birds find them unsuitable.
Most Dangerous Species Are Larger
Compared to smaller, more adaptable species that are better
at filling these developing niches, large birds require more energy and are
experiencing disproportionate reductions in damaged forests because they cannot
meet their ecological needs.
Unaltered Forests Are Essential for Preservation
Thus, the results highlight how crucial it is to protect
intact old-growth forests from logging risks to biodiversity and to offer paths
for species forced to migrate owing to climate change when their habitats are
forced to change due to rising temperatures.
Deciphering Intricate Ecological Shifts
The study reveals the intricate ecological changes sparked
by human activities like unsustainable logging, as each bird fills distinct
niches in tropical highlands with extraordinarily high variety.
A Plan to Preserve Climate Refuges
Experts advise wildlife managers to give preservation of
old-growth forests across wide elevation gradients top priority in order to
support climate adaption. This enables species that is sensitive to temperature
to continue moving southward as lowlands warm.
Observing the Limits of Nature
In order to prevent species from being driven over the edge
by humanity's irresistible ecological footprint, it is essential to maintain an
appropriate amount of forest cover and fight regional warming. Tropical
mountain ecosystems are particularly sensitive to even little changes.