New Jersey is going through a historic drought period this autumn. It affects people with fire hazards and drinking water concerns. Drought also has a significant impact on wildlife, affecting their habitat, food availability, behavior, and survival. Dry conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires, destroying habitats and killing or displacing animals.
Reduced Water Availability - has an impact on aquatic life as streams, rivers, ponds, and wetlands dry up or shrink, reducing habitats for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic species.
Terrestrial species - Animals may need to travel longer distances to find water, increasing the risk of dehydration, exhaustion, and predation.
Decline in Food Sources - Drought can stunt plant growth, reducing the availability of leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers that many animals rely on. Suburban deer, for example, are more likely to visit homes to feed on landscaping. Animals may enter new areas, increasing human-wildlife conflicts.
Predators suffer when prey populations decline due to lack of food or water.
Habitat Loss comes with shrinking water bodies and drying vegetation reducing nesting, breeding, and shelter areas for species such as birds, amphibians, and insects. Species that fail to adapt may face population declines, impacting predators and prey in the food chain.
Animals compete for limited resources, leading to heightened stress, aggression, and displacement of weaker species.
Migration patterns may change as species search for water and food, disrupting ecosystems.
Health and Survival Challenges occur because drought increases vulnerability to diseases, especially in weakened animals. The risk of starvation and dehydration rises. Limited water can concentrate animals around scarce waterholes, making them more vulnerable to predators.
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