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Penguins are also an animal affected by this.

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Polar bears are one animal that are affected by this the most.

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NPS Photo / Graphic by 4C

Climate change has produced a number of threats to wildlife throughout our parks. Rising temperatures lower many species survival rates due to changes that lead to less food, less successful reproduction, and interfering with the environment for native wildlife. These detrimental changes are already apparent in our National Capital Area parks.

Rising Temperatures and Invasive Species

Rising temperatures risk destabilizing the balance between wildlife and their ecosystem. As plants adapt to changing warming patterns, usually by blooming earlier or shifting to cooler locations, the wildlife that has adapted to them will be forced to face new environments.

Some species will struggle to find nutritious enough food to fit their existing gut biomes. Pollinators, for example, must feed from flowers that are blooming earlier in the year. Other animals may find their habitats are no longer able to support their biology.

However, it is also possible that some animals will do better in a warmer climate. Those species will outcompete others, expanding their own territory and food sources. But not all wildlife belong where they flourish. When species adapted to their environments lose their natural advantages, that leaves room for invasive species to multiply in the changing environment. Emerald Ash Borers and Gypsy Moths are examples of invasive species commonly found in the National Capital Region that have devastated native communities.

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Wildlife and Climate Change (U.S. National Park Service)

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Wildife in the National Parks will be negatively affected by climate change. Here's how parks in the National Capital Area are adapting.

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As we move into summer, it is important to recognize the danger high heat and humidity pose to cattle. Cattle are more sensitive to heat than humans. They reach their "critical" temperature (the temperature at which negative effects start to occur) when the temperature-humidity index reaches the high 80s.

Temperature, humidity and the amount of direct sunlight are the primary factors that determine an animal's body temperature. However, other factors - such as precipitation, wind, amount of night cooling and exposure to fescue endophyte- are important.

Precipitation can cause problems because high humidity reduces the ability of cattle to use evaporation to dissipate heat. Evaporative cooling occurs when sweat or moisture evaporates from the respiratory tract or skin. Evaporation is the primary means by which cattle cool themselves at temperatures higher than 70° F. The effects of wind and nighttime temperatures are also important. If winds are calm or if cattle congregate behind a windbreak, the animals' ability to be cooled is reduced.Night temperatures that remain above 70° F increase the danger of heat stress because of little or no night cooling.

Cattle that are not acclimated to hot weather are also at greater risk if weather changes rapidly or if the cattle are moved to an environment with greater heat stress. Cattle that have eaten endophyte-infected fescue may have increased body temperatures and may be predisposed to heat stress.

Another factor that plays a role in heat stress is hide color,with black-hided cattle at greater risk than cattle with light-colored hides. Breed plays a role in that Bos indicus breeds (Brahman and others) handle heat better than do Bos taurus (European) breeds. For cattle in a feedlot situation, special attention should be given to newly arrived cattle and heavier cattle approaching finished weights. Iowa researchers found that unshaded lots facing south, southwest or west had higher death losses than lots facing east or southeast during a period of severe heat stress.

To read the entire article, link to the Angus Journal.

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Recognize the Danger Heat Poses to Your Herd

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As we move into summer, it is important to recognize the danger high heat and humidity pose to cattle. Cattle are more sensitive to heat than humans. They reach their "critical" temperature (the temperature at which negative effects start to occur) when the temperature-humidity index reaches the high 80s.

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However, other factors — such as precipitation, wind, amount of night cooling and exposure to fescue endophyte— are important.

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temperature, humidity and the amount of direct sunlight are the primary factors that determine an animal's body temperature.

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A combination of low temperature, wind, and rain or wet snow can adversely affect an animal's heat balance.

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Water accumulates in an animal's pelage, displacing still air, thereby reducing external insulation.