Climate change poses a significant global dilemma that impacts the planet in various ways, leading to alterations in the Earth’s atmospheric temperature and precipitation patterns over extended periods.
The primary catalyst behind climate change is the release of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
Consequently, this results in the entrapment of heat and an overall escalation in the Earth’s temperature.
The repercussions of climate change are extensive, affecting human societies, wildlife, and ecosystems in profound ways.
Alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns possess the capability to modify habitats, food sources, migration patterns, and breeding cycles, thereby inflicting disastrous consequences upon numerous species and the ecosystems upon which they rely.
Among the animals significantly affected by climate change are polar bears, penguins, sea turtles, walruses, and coral reefs, among an array of others.
Comprehending the impact of climate change upon these animals underscores the pressing need to address this global predicament urgently.
This article shall delve into the top ten animals that experience the ramifications of climate change, albeit some more directly than others.
It is important to note that these species, heavily impacted by this global quandary, exemplify the multifaceted ways in which climate change influences wildlife and the planet.
Animals Impacted by Climate Change – These Species Feel the Consequences
1. Cheetah
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Standing and Observing
Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus
Habitat: Arid mountains, savannahs
Range: Asia, Africa
Vulnerabilities: Hunting, climate change, habitat loss, low sperm count
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
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The cheetah belongs to the Felidae family, being a relative of domestic cats. It can be found dwelling in habitats such as mountains and savannahs in Africa and central Iran.
While the cheetah reigns as the fastest terrestrial creature, unfortunately, it teeters on the brink of extinction.
This magnificent feline is categorized as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to various factors, including climate change.
Not only does climate change cause habitat loss, which poses a significant problem, but it also disrupts the cheetah’s primary prey.
Deprived of alternatives, cheetahs are compelled to pursue other animals with diminished nutritional value, negatively affecting their sperm count.
Elevated temperatures also influence the sperm count and testosterone levels of male cheetahs, consequently impacting their reproductive capacities. One does not need to be an animal expert to grasp the perils of such a situation.
2. Jaguars
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Scientific Name: Panthera Onca
Habitat: Forests
Range: The Americas
Vulnerabilities: Hunting, habitat loss, natural disasters
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Jaguars also belong to the Felidae family but belong to a distinct genus. They are the sole members of their genus native to the Americas, whereas all other Panthera species originate from either Africa or Asia.
Jaguars inhabit diverse forest types, including rainforests, deciduous forests, and cloud forests.
Considered near threatened on the IUCN Red List, jaguars confront a multitude of threats, some of which are attributable to climate change.
Climate alterations trigger natural calamities like hurricanes and droughts, which adversely impact the jaguar population over time.
3. Adelie Penguin
Scientific Name: Pygoscelis adeliae
Habitat: Rocky beaches
Range: Antarctica
Vulnerabilities: Ice loss
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The Adelie penguin belongs to the Spheniscidae family, denoting the penguin family. It dwells in Antarctica, specifically on rocky beaches.
Being the most widespread penguin species, its range is exclusively confined to Antarctica. Moreover, it represents one of the few penguin species that nest on the continent.
As of now, the Adelie penguin is deemed least concern and does not face an imminent risk of extinction. Nonetheless, climate change exerts an influence on this bird.
Rising temperatures lead to ice melting, thereby resulting in a decline in krill population, the preferred prey of Adelie penguins.
Consequently, these penguins are compelled to undertake migratory journeys in search of sustenance, thus adversely affecting their breeding processes.
4. Panda Bear
Close-Up Giant Panda Bear (Ailuropeda melanoleuca)
Scientific Name: Ailuropeda melanoleuca
Habitat: Parks
Range: China
Vulnerabilities: Habitat loss
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The panda bear, commonly referred to as the giant panda or simply panda, should not be confused with the red panda.
Recognizable by its black-and-white fur, the panda bear is endemic to China and can be found in the wild or in captivity.
Designated as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the panda’s limited range renders it particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change.
The latter brings about a reduction in the abundance of bamboo, the primary food source of pandas.
5. Asian Elephant
Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Scientific Name: Elephas maximus
Habitat: Deciduous forest, evergreen forests, grasslands
Range: Asia
Vulnerabilities: Fragmentation, habitat loss
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Also referred to as the Asiatic elephant, the Asian elephant represents the sole species within its Elephas genus.
This magnificent creature is distributed throughout Asia, residing in regions such as India, Nepal, Borneo, and Sumatra. While five subspecies of Asian elephants previously existed, only three remain extant due to the extinction of the other two.
The Asian elephant currently holds an endangered status on the IUCN Red List, with climate change serving as one of the contributing factors.
Elevated temperatures give rise to water scarcity, which detrimentally impacts elephants since they necessitate copious amounts of water.
Additionally, climate change can result in changes to the elephant’s dietary preferences, as alternative plant species thrive, surpassing the elephant’s usual diet.
6. Green Turtle
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Habitat: Bays, lagoons, shoals
Range: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans, tropical and subtropical seas
Vulnerabilities: Overharvesting of eggs, nesting beach loss, hunting
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The green turtle, otherwise known as the green sea turtle, the Pacific green turtle, or the black (sea) turtle, belongs to the Cheloniidae family, a collection of large marine turtles encompassing six species.
Green turtles reside in major oceans, namely the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as select tropical and subtropical seas.
Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, rising temperatures impact the sex ratios of sea turtle populations, as the temperature of the sand determines the sex of developing eggs.
Warmer temperatures can result in a higher number of female turtles, thereby influencing the long-term well-being and survival of these populations.
Moreover, rising sea levels and heightened storm activity erode nesting sites, complicating successful breeding.
Oceanic temperature and chemical changes also affect the food sources of sea turtles, which can undermine their overall health and survival.
7. Polar Bear
Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Walking on Sea Ice
Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus
Habitat: Sea ice
Range: Arctic Circle
Vulnerabilities: Sea ice loss
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The polar bear hails from the Arctic Circle, a fact reflected in its name. It belongs to the Ursidae family, setting itself apart from other bears by its predominantly carnivorous nature.
Not only is the polar bear the largest bear species, but it also holds the distinction of being the largest living land carnivore. These bears reside on sea ice, rendering them susceptible to the effects of climate change.
Rising temperatures lead to the melting of sea ice, depriving these bears of their habitat. Additionally, polar bears depend on the ice for hunting, further impacting their diet.
Moreover, the reduction in sea ice facilitates increased human access to the Arctic, resulting in heightened interactions between polar bears and humans.
8. Tiger
Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris) or Siberian Tiger
Scientific Name: Panthera Tigris
Habitat: Forests
Range: Asia
Vulnerabilities: Habitat loss
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The tiger, a renowned felid, no longer occupies as vast a range as it once did.
It is predominantly found in the Asian continent, stretching from Russia to countries like China, India, and North Korea.
Tigers thrive in forests such as deciduous, evergreen, and swamp forests.
Endangered according to the IUCN Red List, tigers face numerous challenges, including climate change.
Climate change contributes to rising sea levels, leading to deforestation and the loss of the tiger’s primary habitat.
9. Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Flexipus)
Scientific Name: Danaus Flexipus
Habitat: Oak, cottonwood, mulberry
Range: The Americas
Vulnerabilities: Climate sensitivity
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (species as a whole), Endangered (migratory subspecies)
The monarch butterfly, belonging to the Nymphalidae family and the Danaine subfamily, goes by various names, including the monarch, common tiger, wanderer, milkweed, and black-veiled brown.
The monarch butterfly is prevalent in North America and also inhabits southern regions. As a butterfly, it plays a vital role in pollinating a diverse array of flowers.
In general, the monarch butterfly is considered least concern. However, a specific subspecies known as the migratory butterfly faces an endangered status despite being common in the United States.
Sensitive to climate variations, changes can disrupt their migration, reproduction, and hibernation patterns.
10. Moose
Male and Female Moose in the Wild
Scientific Name: Alces alces
Habitat: Boreal forests, mixed forests
Range: North America, Europe, Asia
Vulnerabilities: Temperature changes sensitivity
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The moose, also referred to as elk in Europe and Asia, belongs to the Capreolinae subfamily, representing a New World deer. It stands as the sole member of the Alces genus.
Amongst deer species, the moose ranks as the largest and heaviest. It inhabits diverse environments, including deciduous forests, boreal forests, and mixed forests.
Currently listed as least concern, moose populations are not heavily impacted by climate change. Nevertheless, rising temperatures expose these creatures to heat stress, diseases, and parasites. Moreover, they may be compelled to seek alternative habitats at times.
We Can Mitigate Climate Change
Each of us possesses the capacity to contribute to protecting the world from the perils of climate change, beginning with simple actions. Here are steps you can take to combat the climate crisis:
- Educate your loved ones and those around you about the dangers of climate change.
- Influence politicians and businesses to prioritize environmental concerns.
- Plant trees to combat deforestation.
- Invest in financial institutions that prioritize the well-being of the planet.
- Opt for walking, cycling, or public transportation whenever feasible.
Final Thoughts
Despite the evidence, some individuals continue to deny the reality of climate change.
Understanding that climate change exerts adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and ecosystems worldwide is of paramount importance.
While this list of animals impacted by climate change is not exhaustive, it provides examples of how global warming affects various species.
These species confront challenges stemming from habitat and food source alterations, heightened human activity, and other threats.
The loss of these species can initiate cascading effects within ecosystems and food chains.
We must unite in our efforts to preserve the planet and the diverse array of animals it encompasses.
This entails reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and restoring habitats, and mitigating other threats to wildlife.