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What Happens to Animals During Droughts?

cracked earth
grass growing on cracked earth during a drought. Image by stoonn via Depositphotos

Drought is a natural phenomenon characterized by a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a water shortage. It affects not only human activities and agriculture but also has profound effects on wildlife and ecosystems. During droughts, animals face a multitude of challenges as their habitats undergo significant changes, posing threats to their survival. This article explores how different species react and adapt to the harsh conditions associated with drought.

Water Scarcity: The Primary Challenge

Drought, Mangrove in parched land.
Drought, Mangrove in parched land. French Guiana. Image by TNSE UMA TVM, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Water scarcity is the most immediate and obvious impact of drought on animals. Rivers, lakes, and ponds dry up, reducing access to essential drinking water. Aquatic species are directly affected, with many fish and amphibians facing habitat destruction. Terrestrial animals may have to travel further to find water sources, exposing them to increased risk from predators and human activities. For some species, competition over the dwindling water supply can lead to increased mortality and territorial conflicts.

Food Shortages and Nutritional Stress

A coyote crosses drought stricken grassland
A coyote crosses drought stricken grassland. Image by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Drought conditions often lead to a decline in plant growth, which can then affect herbivores that rely on vegetation for food. As plants dry up or fail to grow, herbivorous animals may experience nutritional stress due to the decreased availability and quality of food. This in turn affects carnivores and omnivores who rely on these herbivores for sustenance. The entire food chain can be disrupted, leading to decreased reproductive success and increased mortality rates.

Behavioral Changes and Migration

Drought in desert
Drought in desert. Image by Mueen78, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In response to drought, many animals exhibit behavioral changes, such as altering their feeding habits, reducing their activity levels to conserve energy, or shifting their active times to cooler parts of the day. Migration is another strategy employed by certain species; animals may move to more favorable areas where water and food are more abundant. However, migration can be fraught with dangers, including unfamiliar terrain, human-made barriers, and increased competition in areas that are receiving unusually high numbers of migrating animals.

Adaptations and Resilience

African elephant in wild nature of kenya
African elephant in wild nature of Kenya. Image by huettenhoelscher via Depositphotos.

Over time, some species have developed remarkable adaptations to cope with drought. For instance, the African elephant has been observed using its tusks to dig up water from dry riverbeds. Certain amphibians can enter a state of aestivation, akin to hibernation, allowing them to survive in a dormant state until conditions improve. Some desert animals have adapted to derive moisture from the food they consume or store water efficiently in their bodies.

Impacts on Biodiversity

Barren wheatfield, Malta, Montana
Barren wheatfield, Malta, Montana. Image by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Prolonged droughts can lead to long-term impacts on biodiversity. Species that are unable to adapt or migrate may face a higher risk of extinction. The loss of keystone species can further destabilize ecosystems, as their roles in maintaining the structure of ecological communities are left unfilled. On the other hand, drought-resistant species might flourish and increase in number, leading to shifts in local biodiversity.

Human Interventions and Conservation Efforts

View of animals at a waterhole at a rest stop on National Road
View of animals at a waterhole at a rest stop on National Road. Image by Dietmar Rabich, via Wiki Commons

Conservation efforts and human interventions can help mitigate the impact of drought on animal populations. Establishing protected areas with sustainable water management practices can provide refuge for wildlife. Efforts like the creation of artificial waterholes, wildlife corridors, and emergency feeding programs have been implemented in various regions to support animals affected by drought. Additionally, long-term strategies, such as promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, can help prevent severe impacts from future droughts.

The Future of Wildlife in a Changing Climate

Waterhole Okaukuejo Camp in Etosha National Park
Waterhole Okaukuejo Camp in Etosha National Park. Image by Hka1987, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

As climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of droughts globally, understanding their impact on wildlife becomes crucial. Continuous research and monitoring are essential in developing effective conservation strategies and ensuring the survival of diverse species. Public awareness and education on this issue can also play a significant role in driving the necessary policy changes and fostering support for global conservation efforts.

In conclusion, while drought presents severe challenges for animals, understanding these impacts can help us create strategies to mitigate its effects. Through adaptations, both natural and human-facilitated, there remains hope for maintaining biodiversity even in the face of environmental unpredictability.