Due to rising temperatures and climate change, many British animals like puffins, red squirrels, and hedgehogs are at risk of extinction. The UK is experiencing its third heatwave this summer, following the driest spring in over a century. While warm weather can be enjoyable, it creates serious problems for wildlife. Fewer water sources and diminished food supplies affect bees, butterflies, and frogs, making survival harder.
Dr. Jesse Abrams, a climate scientist from the University of Exeter, emphasizes the struggle of various species to cope with extreme heat. “Many animals cannot regulate their body temperature effectively,” he explains. For instance, insects like caterpillars are significantly impacted; they can’t manage their heat, leading to a decline in their populations. Birds also face challenges, especially since they can’t sweat to cool down.
Looking ahead, Dr. Abrams warns that the UK might face a biodiversity crisis in the next few decades. He predicts warming temperatures will endanger many iconic species. By 2050, the UK could see another half-degree rise, bringing about even drier summers and wetter winters, and accelerating extinction rates.
Some species are at greater risk than others. A 2023 report revealed that 16% of species in the UK are already threatened, with certain groups like birds facing even greater dangers—43% of bird species are at risk, alongside 31% of amphibians and reptiles.
Among the species most threatened are:
- Turtle dove
- Cuckoo
- Red squirrel
- Scottish wildcat
- Hedgehog
- Peregrine falcon
- Short-eared owl
- Barnacle goose
- Puffin
- Manx shearwater
Dr. Abrams highlights the alarming decline of the turtle dove population, which has plummeted by 98% since the 1950s. Similarly, hedgehog numbers have fallen by 95% during the same period, with a third of that drop occurring since 2000. Red squirrels are nearly extinct in England and Wales, while the Scottish wildcat is critically endangered.
Ameyalli Hernandez, also from Exeter University, has observed firsthand how these heatwaves affect wildlife. During her insect surveys in Southern England, she noted prolonged feeding hours for butterflies. “They’re out earlier and less active during peak heat,” she reported. Additionally, many bumblebees are emerging weak and exhausted due to a lack of food, as the hot weather leads to an earlier end to flowering plants.
The effects of climate change extend beyond individual species. Ecosystems suffer as rising sea temperatures disrupt marine food chains. For example, as zooplankton populations dwindle in warmer waters, fish like sand eels, essential for seabirds, also decline. The UK is home to a significant percentage of the world’s puffins, but their populations are in jeopardy.
Bird behavior also shows how wildlife is coping with heat. Birds have a higher body temperature than many other animals, making overheating a risk. Without sweat glands, they can’t cool down easily. People may notice birds “panting” during heatwaves, striving to manage their body temperature.
The impact of extreme weather varies among species. Some birds, particularly in upland areas, struggle more as they are already at the edge of their ranges. Jeremy Wilson from the RSPB highlights this dichotomy: “While some species benefit from warmer climates, like herons and egrets, others are being pushed out.”
Yet, there are ways to aid wildlife during these scorching summers:
- Offer shallow bowls of water for thirsty animals.
- Let parts of your garden grow wild for natural shade.
- Provide moist foods for birds and hedgehogs.
- Keep ponds full to help amphibians find shelter.
As the climate continues to shift, it’s essential for communities and individuals to take steps to protect wildlife. Understanding and responding to these changes can make a difference in conserving Britain’s unique biodiversity.
For further insights into the state of wildlife, you can refer to the State of Nature report, which provides detailed findings on species at risk in the UK.
