Climate Change Claims Lives of Migratory Birds in South Africa

European bee-eaters and swallows migrating to South Africa have faced extreme weather conditions, including cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain, leading to a significant drop in temperature, reports Julia Evans for Daily Maverick.

This rare weather event resulted in the death of numerous birds, with reports from various regions in South Africa. The birds, weakened from their long migration, struggled to find food in the cold, and the wet weather further compromised their ability to maintain body heat.

Experts suggest that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, posing a serious threat to bird populations. The cascading effects on ecosystems and the importance of citizen science in documenting such events are emphasized.

InFocus

European Bee-eaters in the Kruger National Park (file photo).

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