Global Warming and Animals

Many animal species around the world are being threatened by climate change, and some are becoming extinct. The first documented extinction was the golden toad. Golden toads only mate during a few weeks in April and May and depend upon seasonal pools of rainwater in which to lay their eggs. Warming sea surface temperatures in the nearby oceans are blamed for decreased rainfall and drier conditions in the forest where the golden toad made its home. During the mating season in 1987, more than 1500 toads were observed, but an exceptionally dry and warm year caused the breeding pools used by the frogs to dry out before the tadpoles could fully mature. Since then, only 11 toads have been observed and no sightings have been made since 1989 despite extensive searching.

Everyone already knows about the plight of the polar bears. Perhaps this is because it might be the next animal to go extinct. Loss of habitat is the greatest threat to the polar bears. The amount and of sea ice is essential to its survival. As the ice in the arctic melts, polar bears are forced to swim for days and sometimes drown before they can find land or food. Since global warming is also causing the seals, a polar bear’s main diet, to move farther south, the polar bears have to either follow the seals to unsuitable climates or starve. Scientists estimate that two thirds of the polar bear population could be extinct by the year 2050. If the ice continues to retreat at the speed it has during the last few years, the situation will become even more critical.

The climate is also very important to reindeer. Calving occurs during the period when the plants they eat are most nutritious, just before flowering. The reason for this is the huge requirement that the food has for producing milk for their calves. If spring comes earlier and plants and flowers start to grow earlier then calves will be born after the peak nutrition time. This could reduce their condition, survival rate and the growth of the herd. It could prove to be fatal for the reindeer.

Scientists have found that 30% of all bird species could be extinct by the year 2100 because of global warming. Scientists have already observed that several bird species are laying their eggs earlier. Twenty-five years ago the peak bird arrival date was April 25th. The chicks hatched on June 3rd, just in time for the caterpillar hatching time. Now the birds still arrive around April 25th, but the caterpillars arrive two weeks before the birds hatch. This leaves the mother birds without their traditional source of food for the chicks. This could cause the chicks to starve.

Scientists have found that since the 1960’s, the penguin population has dropped by 70%. Increasingly warm temperatures in both the air and the ocean have hit the penguin’s home in Antarctica. Warmer temperatures and stronger winds produce thinner sea ice. The weakened ice is more likely to break apart and drift out to sea taking penguin eggs and chicks with it. Emperor penguins rely on the sea ice for breeding and hunting for food. Without it, they can’t survive.

Many other animals and plants are also being affected by global warming. Some of these include whales, fish, insects, walrus, wolves, and foxes. By cutting our greenhouse gas emissions can help these animals survive.

- Hayley, 13, Connecticut (Penpal #6164)