Extreme Heat Threatens European Wildlife

Europe’s ongoing heat wave, with temperatures above 38 °C (100 °F) and high humidity, is pushing wildlife beyond tolerance. Birds, key ecosystem service providers, face heightened risk of heat illness and death.

Seattle Times

Birds keep body temps near 38 °C and cool by panting, gular fluttering, feather adjustments, and shade or water. Turkey vultures use urohidrosis—defecating on leg skin—to evaporatively cool. Black bears and moose use wetlands and mud. Each species has a heat limit. Lab studies show heat impairs cognition: southern pied babblers need twice as many trials to learn a task, and zebra finches and guppies show similar delays. Heat also raises aggression, with golden julie fish more aggressive at 84 °F, dogs biting more often, and chamois becoming more territorial.

Seattle Times

Experts advise shallow, clean water in predator-safe spots, stocked bird feeders, and layered vegetation for shade. Water should be refreshed weekly. For injured wildlife, contact local rehabilitation centres.

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

Some scientists caution against direct aid: Jack Kottwitz says birds “know better than what we do about what is comfortable for them,” and Lisa Duke stresses “the best thing for wildlife is to let them be wild.”

Seattle Times

A one-week-old sparrow kitten fled its nest in Wehrheim, Germany, and was rescued by a veterinarian who fed it flies. Observers also note turkey vultures performing urohidrosis and great blue herons spreading wings to catch breezes.

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

All sources agree heat threatens wildlife, yet none give precise bird mortality figures. The extent of insect decline and its direct effect on bird nutrition remain uncertain. Research on heat-induced cognitive deficits is limited, with few long-term field studies.

Seattle Times

• “Prolonged intense heat like Europe is experiencing right now is likely pushing many species toward their maximum heat tolerances, putting them at risk of heat illness or death.” — Aimee Van Tatenhove, postdoctoral fellow, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

• “These birds know better than what we do about what is comfortable for them.” — Jack Kottwitz, assistant professor, Michigan State University

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

• “The best thing for wildlife is to let them be wild,” — Lisa Duke, sanctuary grounds manager, W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures

• “A changing climate means that your ability to behaviorally adapt is even more important,” — Amanda Ridley, behavioral ecologist, University of Western Australia

Scientific American

Ongoing experiments will track heat effects on learning and predator avoidance in birds and mammals. Conservation groups plan to expand water-source networks and shade planting in urban and rural areas. Monitoring programs aim to quantify wildlife mortality during future heat waves.

Seattle Times