“Climate Change: How Flooding and Rising Temperatures Impact Elephant Habitats”
In recent years, the impact of climate change on wildlife has become increasingly evident. While some regions are experiencing more frequent droughts, others are facing increased severe rainfall and flooding. This imbalance in weather patterns has had negative consequences on the habitats of many species, including elephants.
Every July, the monsoon season in India brings heavy floods that result in young animals, including elephants, becoming separated from their families. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has been actively involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants in Kaziranga National Park. While some elephants are successfully reunited with their families, others are brought to the IFAW-Wildlife Trust of India Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation for care and eventual release back into the wild.
The rising global temperatures are a major concern for the survival of animal species worldwide. The planet’s atmospheric temperature has already increased by more than 1.15°C above pre-industrial levels, with projections indicating a potential rise of almost 3°C by 2100. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, global warming must not exceed 1.5°C, a target that we are on track to surpass by 2027 due to current levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
Elephants, in particular, are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Studies have shown that Asian elephants prefer temperatures below 24°C, yet they often experience higher temperatures throughout the year. Heat stroke has been identified as a leading cause of death among Asian elephants in regions like Myanmar.
Research on African savannah elephants has revealed that they adapt their behaviors in response to higher temperatures. They seek out shade, bathe in water more frequently, and adjust their feeding, walking, and resting patterns. However, their ability to cope with rising temperatures is contingent on access to resources and the freedom to move across their habitats to respond to changes in water, shade, and food availability.
IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative aims to safeguard and connect elephant habitats across East and southern Africa to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of these majestic animals. As climate change continues to pose a threat to wildlife, conservation efforts like these are crucial in protecting vulnerable species and preserving biodiversity for future generations.