A white stoat photographed in Ukraine is evidence of how climate change is affecting wildlife.
What is happening?
Some animal species have fur that changes color from summer to winter, which helps them blend into the surrounding landscape. However, as global temperatures rise, animal fur continues to change while nature does not.
according to EcopoliticsWildlife experts from the Dniester National Nature Park in Odessa Oblast, Ukraine, photographed a stoat in an area usually covered in snow.
The photo showed how this small predator now stands out starkly in its white winter coat amid a snow-free landscape, and the park explained in a Facebook post that this threatens the survival of this species.
Park officials booksHe added: “These images are a sign of major changes in nature, which we must notice and take into account so that we have time to help those who cannot adapt quickly enough.”
Why is this news disturbing?
The lack of snow, which prevents the animal and its winter coat from blending in, puts the animal at greater risk of being caught by predators, and makes it more visible to its prey.
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The stoat cannot prevent its coat from changing color, so its survival options are limited. Essentially, this species can either spend the next several decades evolving to the point where its coat color does not change, or migrate to new areas where snow is still present.
Stoats hunt small rodents, making them essential in controlling the population of these animals. If stoats disappear, so may small rodents Explode in populationWhich affects agricultural lands and local communities.
In addition, stoats are not the only animals affected by the lack of snow. Researchers from the University of Washington found that the amount of snow on the ground can affect whether or not many predators are able to catch prey.
What can be done about the lack of snow?
Unfortunately, not much can be done to change snow conditions. Most important is reducing the use of polluting energy sources, such as coal and gas, to help bring down rising temperatures.
This will require not only governments and scientists working together, but also individuals making everyday choices to make it happen Live more sustainably.
In addition, as a single Facebook user he said in response to the park’s post“Supporting habitats, minimizing disturbances and systematic monitoring are the minimum that can help species survive the transition period as nature seeks a new equilibrium.”
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