Find How Climate Change Affects Wildlife. disrupt migration patterns, habitats, and survival which leads to challenges for ecosystems.
The climate crisis we’re facing is affecting many parts of the world, including wildlife. Climate change and wildlife are deeply connected, and this will stay true unless we can change the path we’re on. At first, the effects of climate change on wildlife might not seem obvious. But when we look closer, it’s clear that some species are at survival risk. Even species that aren’t in immediate danger still feel the impact. Keep reading to learn how climate change affects wildlife and how you can help by creating a wildlife-friendly garden and more.
How Climate Change Affects Wildlife
Climate change affects gardens and wildlife in many ways. Warmer temperatures can cause some plants to die because they can’t handle the heat. When these plants disappear, the animals and insects that depend on them for food either die or have to move elsewhere. While migration is natural for some species, being forced to move to find food that might not even be there creates serious challenges.
When food is hard to find, female mammals may not be able to reproduce, or if they do, their babies might be born underweight. The mothers might also not produce enough milk to keep their babies alive.
When resources are limited, invasive plants can take over by using up what native plants need to survive. Native plants are often the main food for local wildlife, so this causes problems for them, too. In nature, everything is connected—what happens to one species affects others over time.
Can Wildlife Adapt to Climate Change
If people can’t slow climate change, the question is whether wildlife can adapt. Throughout Earth’s history, species have evolved to survive changes in the climate, but these changes usually happen slowly over a long time. However, at the end of the Cretaceous Period, a sudden disaster struck so quickly that species like dinosaurs didn’t have time to adapt—and they went extinct.
Temperature drives evolution for most species, but even gradual changes can have different effects. Some species adapt, while others can’t. When this happens, species that rely on them for food or shelter may also go extinct because their food or habitat can’t keep up with the changes.
Over the past 40-50 years, rising temperatures have caused many animals and plants to move about 36 feet (11 meters) higher in elevation every decade to try to survive. While these migrations are a brave effort, they don’t always succeed. Sometimes, animals move, but their food sources don’t, or there isn’t enough food to support them. Other times, there’s more competition between species for limited food.
Yes, wildlife can adapt, but it might be too late. The plants and animals a species depends on might not adapt as quickly, or they might face other challenges that make survival even harder.
How to Help Wildlife in the Garden
The best way to attract wildlife to your garden is to plant native plants. The National Wildlife Federation suggests using at least 70% native plants in your yard. Pick plants that benefit wildlife year-round by offering places to raise their young, find food, and hide from predators or bad weather.
When you mainly plant native plants, you’ll need less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which helps the environment.
Trees help fight climate change. Oaks, maples, and other trees store carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes to climate change. They also provide shade, which lowers your energy use and reduces emissions from air conditioning. Native trees and shrubs also cut down on noise and carbon pollution from lawnmowers and other garden tools.
Native plants help increase biodiversity and keep the ecosystem healthy. They’re easy to care for and provide homes for local wildlife.
Avoid buying soil with peat moss. Even though it’s natural, it’s not sustainable, and harvesting it releases a lot of carbon dioxide. Choosing peat-free soil is better for the planet.
Consider adding a pond or rain garden to your yard, as wildlife needs water to drink.
Instead of building a fence that blocks wildlife, use brambles, plants, or even dead tree branches to make a wildlife-friendly hedge.
Check out our free DIY ebook for ideas on making owl boxes, birdhouses, and more.
Overall, keep your landscape as natural as you can. This will help native insects, birds, and mammals make homes in your yard, which is great for both you and the environment.
