Supporting wildlife species in the face of climate change
Shifting weather patterns have complex impacts on natural systems, many of which are the cornerstone of Africa’s economic developments as it grows rapidly. The continent’s biodiversity is a vital natural resource at stake as overall temperatures rise. With rainfall projected to increase in eastern Africa but significantly reduce in the south, the risk of flash floods and harsh droughts is high.
Many iconic wildlife species have been pushed close to extinction due to various non-climate stressors like poaching and illegal hunting in the last few decades. Over time, climate change has emerged as a silent threat to wildlife, as changing weather patterns trigger shifts in habitat composition, forage availability as well as access to water. The impacts to ecosystems are far-reaching: wildlife reproduction and the survival rate of young ones can lower, changing the competitive relationship between species.
photo credit: MudflapDC