GLOBAL WARMING: THE GREATEST THREAT TO

WILDLIFE
Global warming is by far the greatest threat to birds and wildlife. It impacts all
kinds of wildlife in many different ways. Global warming is not just a threat to
the environment. Ever thought how the effects of global warming can be a
warning and a threat to wildlife.

Impact of Global Warming on Wildlife

Wildlife is an important part of ecological community in the environment. Wildlife
is an important character of the nature, so its conservation is an important
obligation of human beings for the sustainability of life on planet earth. Global
warming has led to habitat loss due to sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, washing
away nesting sites due to cloud bursts and torrential rains, extended period of
droughts with increased daytime temperatures resulting in delayed fruit set in
wild fruit trees, and build up of invasive species and loss in desired vegetation.
Bird migrations are severely impacted and the ripple effects are seen in terms of
significant loss in reproduction, breeding, nesting and hatching. In no time birds
can become extinct. Global warming is not just affecting the environment, but
the ecology.
Climate change models predict that sea temperatures will rise significantly,
including in the tropics. In these areas, rainfall is also predicted to increase,
reducing the salt concentration of the surface layer of the sea.
The weather and climate of Karnataka has drastically changed as compared to
the few decades; the impact of global warming had not only affected the human
being but to a large extends effected the wildlife to exist. In the olden days, the
threat of wildlife came from the barrel of the gun, but now a vast majority of the
wildlife is driven to extinction as direct consequences of mans exploitation of
forest wealth, and also the introduction of MTPL in Mangalore, displacement of
the people to a different area, there is no end in sight of this tragedy.
The imbalance created by companies has also resulted in global warming; the
impact of climatic change is more to the wildlife. The wildlife population is under
constant siege in the migration and breeding population of both birds and
animal. Wildlife cannot adapt to sudden and rapid climate changes nor able to
migrate to more suitable area in and around the place.
Karnataka is the home of few critically endangered species of flora that include
Gyps indicus (the Indian vulture) and two species of frogs, Indirana gundia (found
only in Gundia range, Sakleshpur) and Micrixalus kottigeharensis (found only
near Kottigehara, Chikkamagaluru district).Endangered species of fauna found in

Karnataka include the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, lion-tailed macaque, olive
ridley turtle and dhole, the Indian wild dog.

Many endangered species of amphibians are found here, including frogs, Indirana
brachytarsus, Microhyla sholigari, Minervarya sahyadris, Nyctibatrachus aliciae,
Nyctibatrachus hussaini, Nyctibatrachus sanctipalustris, Philautus charius,
Philautus wynaadensis, Ramanella mormorata and Rhacophorus lateralis and a
toad, Bufo beddomii. Other endangered species of fauna include Hipposideros
hypophyllus (the Kolar leaf-nosed bat) and Pseudomulleria dalyi (a mollusc).
The interaction of wildlife in nature is predominantly in the environment. Wildlife
plays an essential role in the ecological and biological processes that are yet
again significant to life. The normal functioning of the biosphere depends on
endless interactions amongst animals, plants, and microorganisms. This, in turn,
maintains and enhances human life further. Wildlife maintains ecological
balance of nature and maintains food chain and natures cycles.

Many habitats are directly influenced by the way animals live. Grasslands, for
example, exist partly because grasses and grazing animals have evolved a close
partnership, which prevents other plants from taking hold. Tropical forests also
owe their existence to animals, because most of their trees rely on animals to
distribute their pollen and seeds. Soil is partly the result of animal activity,
because earthworms and other invertebrates help to break down dead remains
and recycle the nutrients that they contain. Without animal life, the soil would
soon
become
compacted
and
infertile.
By preying on each other, animals also help to keep their own numbers in check.
This prevents abrupt population peaks and crashes and helps to give living
systems a built-in stability. On a global scale, animals also affect some of the
nutrient cycles on which almost all life depends.
Its all in the hands of the individuals to save our planet and ecosystem for the
benefits of all not just for our wants at least for the needs.