Birds are moving to higher altitudes due to fogged forests and rising temperatures: study

Intriguing ecological changes have been found in an IISc study examining the effects of logging and climate change on tropical mountain forests rich in biodiversity. Larger birds decreased in logged forests, but smaller species are being forced to higher, cooler elevations by logging-related temperature increases, according to an analysis of data on insect-eating tropical birds gathered over a ten-year period.

Reducing Stocks and Increasing Rivalry

The latest study finds that fewer insects that are essential to bird diets are present in logged woods. Not only do these disrupted environments have lower humidity and higher average temperatures, but many birds find them unsuitable.

Most Dangerous Species Are Larger

Compared to smaller, more adaptable species that are better at filling these developing niches, large birds require more energy and are experiencing disproportionate reductions in damaged forests because they cannot meet their ecological needs.

Unaltered Forests Are Essential for Preservation

Thus, the results highlight how crucial it is to protect intact old-growth forests from logging risks to biodiversity and to offer paths for species forced to migrate owing to climate change when their habitats are forced to change due to rising temperatures.

Deciphering Intricate Ecological Shifts

The study reveals the intricate ecological changes sparked by human activities like unsustainable logging, as each bird fills distinct niches in tropical highlands with extraordinarily high variety.

A Plan to Preserve Climate Refuges

Experts advise wildlife managers to give preservation of old-growth forests across wide elevation gradients top priority in order to support climate adaption. This enables species that is sensitive to temperature to continue moving southward as lowlands warm.

Observing the Limits of Nature

In order to prevent species from being driven over the edge by humanity's irresistible ecological footprint, it is essential to maintain an appropriate amount of forest cover and fight regional warming. Tropical mountain ecosystems are particularly sensitive to even little changes.