Extreme temperatures are a lethal cause of wildlife deaths (mass die-offs heatwaves), as suggested by the data on species recorded during the heatwave in North America in 2021, with 75% of all animals dying as a result of the extreme temperatures.
Which Animals Are Affected?
Animals such as bats face frightful statistics; for instance, over 23000 spectacled flying foxes died within 48 hours during the heatwave (mass die-offs heatwaves) in Queensland in 2018, accounting for nearly 1/3 of the population. Fish die in warm water because they get less oxygen. Koalas face health problems after spending a week in temperatures of about 27 degrees.
Is Heat Dangerous?
Flying foxes cannot regulate their body temperature when it goes above 40 degrees C. Heat and lack of water lead to even higher levels of mortality, with experts from Potsdam claiming that by 2050, 74% of land vertebrates will be hit by heatwaves regularly.
What Should Be Done?
It is difficult to recover from death cases; for instance, it takes flying foxes six months before giving birth to one baby. Reducing emissions can help in protecting animals and humans from the heatwave effects in the future.
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