The National Audubon Society releases an in-depth look at how vulnerable 604 bird species are to climate change across North America and it found 389 species could lose more than 50-percent of the habitat they need to survive by 2080 under a three-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures. The report also indicates fifteen percent of species in Louisiana are at risk, including the state bird.
“80% of the brown pelicans’ nest three islands in Louisiana and Louisiana supports more brown pelicans than any other state in the country and so the restoration of Queen Bess Island (near Grand Isle) that is now imminent is incredibly important,” said Director of Bird Conservation Dr. Erik Johnson.
Johnson says birds are early responders to stressors and offer us signals of what’s to come in regard to climate change. A change in average temperature will introduce new species of birds that migrate to, and from the state as well.
“Species like crested caracara, inca dove and several others have expanded throughout the state, black belly whistling duck is another really good example of that,” said Johnson.
Johnson says you can help locally by planting native plants to help reinforce the birds’ natural habitat.
“We can provide resiliency to the birds today so that into the future they will be more resilient to threats like climate change,” said Johnson.
For more information go to climate.audubon.org.
