Several studies have shown alarming changes in Amazonian birds, linking the major shifts to climate change.
What's happening?
Bodily and vocal changes are occurring in 77 bird species in the Amazon rainforest, per Sumauma.
Higher temperatures and drier climates can make flying more difficult, causing birds' bodies to become lighter. Data now shows their torsos are growing smaller and wings growing longer.
Beyond the bodily changes, scientists have noticed something else problematic: The birds are chirping less.
Birds use their songs to communicate. They warn one another of danger. They signal each other when they find food. And they generally socialize and engage using their twittering. But with weaker and fewer birds, the forest's chorus is dwindling.
Why are these changes in birds significant?
Evolution helps creatures adapt to changing environments. However, these changes in bird species are happening at a dangerously rapid pace.
Ornithologist Mario Cohn-Haft, a leading authority on birds of the central Amazon, explained why this is worrisome: "Genetic adaptations probably take centuries and can keep pace with subtler climate changes. But today's changes to the environment are happening at a much swifter pace than the historical variations not generated by humans, and the chances birds will be able to keep up with this process are much lower."
Cohn-Haft elaborated, "Adaptation is a risky game that takes time — something these animals don't have. Even with the observed changes in body size, we've seen various species grow increasingly rare, some on the path to extinction."
According to The Audubon Society, bird populations and diversity are declining dramatically in the "untouched" parts of the Amazon rainforest. Research has found that 21 bird species declined inside a protected area. These findings suggest climate change is impacting all areas of the forest.
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Definitely 👍 Philip Stouffer, a Louisiana State University biologist, noted, "Just focusing on protecting these vast areas of forest is not the complete panacea that we might've imagined it would be."
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The Amazon rainforest is crucial to Earth's health as a massive carbon storehouse, a biodiverse region, and a vital water source. It stores 150-200 billion tons of carbon, helping to stabilize the climate. Without a thriving, biodiverse Amazon rainforest, climate change will accelerate.
What's being done to save the rainforest?
Establishing protected habitats and stopping deforestation were supposed to save this unique ecosystem.
However, this research shows that it's not enough. We must substantially reduce harmful emissions and waste to halt climate change's impact on this biodiverse location.
Foundations like Rainforest Foundation US bolster important conservation projects. But we can all do our part to cool the planet and save the forest.
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