How birds are affected by habitat loss?

There are birds like the piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) that lay their eggs directly on the sand of a beach in a shallow depression. When sea-levels rise, beaches are washed away. When temperatures rise, and wetlands dry out, ducks that live and lay eggs on them will have nowhere to go.

Same is the fate of birds that depend on coral reefs. About one third of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean. When CO2 increases and the weather gets warm, more CO2 is absorbed and water becomes more acidic. Increased acidity reduces the ability of the corals to secrete calcium carbonate, which forms the structure of the reef. As a result, they become brittle and break easily. The reef structures shrink (something that happened to the Great Barrier Reef). For many birds in the tropics, corals reefs provide an important food source and are critical habitats for survival.

In Hawaii, mosquitoes that carry malaria breed in lower attitudes. Mountaintops provide protection for birds from mosquitoes since they cannot reach the area. Increasing temperatures have led mosquitoes to move further up the mountain slopes, threatening the birds that live at the top of the mountain. Avian malaria is a major reason for the decline of Hawaiian birds.

When birds move out of their habitats in search of new places to occupy, they over-exploit prey sources, leading to destruction of the entire ecosystem. Ospreys have been seen hunting other birds, so they may pose a threat to birds in the area, particularly if fish become scarce.

Recently, peafowl were found across Kerala, surprising bird-watchers. Why did they move from their habitat? Obviously in search of food and shelter. Studies also show that some species of birds are developing shorter wing spans and have less density in their bones.

 

Picture Credit : Google