A study by the University of Queensland, Australia, in partnership with the Barcelona Supercomputation Center in Spain, revealed that climate change is responsible for a fall of almost 40% in the average abundance of tropical bird species since 1950.
Published in the magazine Nature Ecology & Evolutionthe research points out that extreme weather events, such as prolonged heat waves, dried and flooding, have directly impacted fertility, reproductive habits and the survival of these animals.
The analysis used open data from populations of about 3,000 bird species around the world, collected between 1950 and 2020.
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Through statistical modeling, the researchers were able to identify how the populations of these birds were affected after abnormal climate events, noting that tropical species are particularly vulnerable to these extreme conditions.
According to Professor James Watson of the University of Queensland and one of the study coordinators, severe climate events are the main factor for the decline of tropical birds, surpassing the gradual impact of climate change.
The study also highlights that birds that inhabit dried tropical savannas, such as northern Australia, face even higher risks due to the volatility of water sources and increased frequency of heat and fires.
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In addition to the climate impact, other human activities, such as deforestation and hunting, also contribute to the reduction of bird populations, although on a smaller scale.
The study draws attention to significant falls in remote areas, such as tropical forests of the Amazon and Panama, where human presence is minimal, indicating that the climate is a decisive factor for the decline.
To ensure the survival of these species, researchers reinforce the importance of protecting natural habitats and maintaining healthy populations, capable of resisting extreme weather events.
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Professor Watson points out that despite the challenges, birds have internal mechanisms to adapt to climate change as long as they have adequate conditions for this.
Environmental preservation, therefore, is critical to preventing the scenario from becoming even more critical.
