There have been a number of articles published lately on the impacts of warming temperatures that are already being observed on different animal species.  Yesterday I published a blog article on the impacts on ocean species.  Today I will focus on the impacts of changing climate on chickens and livestock and on cats and dogs.

SBS News in Australia published an article earlier this month on some of the changes that are expected to occur with hatching of chickens in warmer temperatures.  They pointed out that warmer temperatures change the way embryos develop inside the eggs, which could make raising the young chicks more difficult.  And as temperatures go up, mortality rates are also expected to increase.  In addition, warmer conditions in recent years have affected squirrels, sharks and whales.

The Columbian posted a story about the impacts of warmer weather on pets.  Higher temperatures increase the growing season for pests like ticks which can cause diseases in dogs and cats.  Rates of heartworm infestation are expected to increase as the mosquito season grows longer.

Source: Pava, Commons Wikimedia
Source: Pava, Commons Wikimedia

 

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