Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Wildlife and Ecosystems
Discover how climate change is disrupting wildlife and ecosystems globally. Expert insights from Dr. Burcu Çevreli reveal its impact on animal reproduction, biodiversity, and vector-borne diseases. Explore the effects of climate change on animals and ecosystems. Learn about reproductive challenges, phenotypic flexibility, and the growing risks of diseases like Lyme disease.
Editors 
Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Wildlife and Ecosystems
How Climate Change Impacts Animal Reproduction and Ecosystems
Dr. Burcu Çevreli, a Physiology Specialist from Üsküdar University Medical Faculty, sheds light on how climate change is disrupting wildlife, animal habitats, and ecosystems. From altering reproductive cycles to threatening biodiversity, the effects are profound.
Climate Change and Reproductive Challenges
Dr. Çevreli explains that animals are adapting to climate change through phenotypic flexibility and genetic evolution. For example, mosquitoes, squirrels, swallows, and fruit flies are showing noticeable genetic changes to cope with environmental shifts.
However, extreme weather events such as heatwaves and cold spells are negatively affecting fertility in both male and female animals. "Heat and cold stress reduce pregnancy rates. Seasonal changes in temperature and food availability can impact estrus activity in females and sperm production in males," notes Dr. Çevreli.
She further highlights how changes in daylight adaptation, or photoperiodism, affect reproduction. "Animals rely on day length to regulate behaviors like reproduction, migration, and hibernation. Disruptions in this adaptation can harm species, particularly insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals," she states.
Rising Temperatures and Domestic Animal Health
Dr. Çevreli also discusses the effects of climate change on domestic animals. "Higher temperatures and extreme weather events can reduce exercise opportunities for pets, potentially worsening obesity in companion animals like dogs," she says.
Ecosystems in Crisis
Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in absorbing carbon and mitigating climate change. "Forests and plant-rich ecosystems filter water, act as buffers against floods, and reduce disaster impacts," Dr. Çevreli explains. Animals contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem stability by maintaining habitats and ensuring the survival of plant and animal species.
However, she warns that climate change is pushing ecosystems to their limits. The rising prevalence of vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and heartworm infections, highlights the growing public health risks for both animals and humans.
The Role of Phenotypic Flexibility
Phenotypic flexibility, or an animal's ability to adapt to environmental changes, is key to survival. "While some individuals in a population can tolerate wide environmental changes, others cannot. As climate change persists, genetic adaptation will become essential," states Dr. Çevreli.
Global Impact of Free-Roaming Animals
The growing population of free-roaming animals is another factor impacted by climate change. "Estimates suggest there are over 700 million free-roaming dogs and more than 480 million free-roaming cats globally," she says. These populations play significant roles in ecosystems but are also vulnerable to changing environmental conditions.
