. | . |
Dutch Study Sheds Light On Climate Changes Threat To Birds
Paris (AFP) May 04, 2006 Environmental scientists in the Netherlands say they have found evidence that climate change can decimate migrating bird species by affecting the date when their main food supply becomes abundant. A small long-distance migrating bird called the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) spends the northern hemisphere winter in West Africa, returning to northern Europe in the spring to breed. Dutch researchers have been following the species for decades, using nestboxes in forests, observations of their arrival and departure and monitoring availability of their staple food, which is caterpillars. They have found that the earlier arrival of warm weather causes the caterpillars to emerge sooner -- and as a result, the flycatchers may arrive too late to properly feed their young. The birds breed, but without having an adequate food supply for the nestlings. The team, lead by Christian Both of Groningen University, looked at population numbers and caterpillar availability from 1987 to 2003. An early food peak caused flycatcher numbers to decline by a stunning 90 percent. But when the caterpillars peaked later, the decline was only 10 percent. "Mistiming as a result of climate change is probably a widespread phenomenon," says Both. "(The) evidence (is) that it can lead to population declines."
Source: Agence France-Presse Related Links - Tibetan Glacier Melt Leading To Sandstorms In China Beijing (AFP) May 03, 2006 Global warming is melting glaciers in China's Tibetan region at a rate of 7.0 percent annually, triggering drought, desertification and sandstorms in other regions, state press reported Tuesday. |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |