The heatwave is taking its toll on wildlife in Germany. The shortage of water is particularly acute: many natural water sources have dried up and are no longer available to the animals. The German Animal Welfare Federation is therefore appealing to the public to help wildlife get through the hot spell by taking simple measures.
“The combination of extreme heat and persistent drought is a life-threatening challenge for many wild animals. When even natural streams, ponds and small waterholes in the forest dry up, the animals are left without vital opportunities to drink and cool down. In the worst-case scenario, they risk dying of thirst or suffocating. Fish and other aquatic animals are also suffering from falling water levels and rising water temperatures,” says Paulina Kuhn, wildlife specialist at the German Animal Welfare Federation. “In addition to aquatic animals, young animals that are not yet mobile and cannot reach more distant water sources are particularly at risk.”
Additional Water Points Urgently Recommended
The German Animal Welfare Federation recommends placing shallow bowls of fresh water in sheltered, shaded spots for wild birds, insects, hedgehogs and squirrels. City pigeons also suffer from a lack of water in the sweltering cities. As sedentary animals, they never stray far in search of water and are therefore particularly reliant on human help during periods of extreme heat. Any bowls provided should be cleaned daily and refilled with fresh water. Placing stones or twigs inside them also offers insects a safe foothold. Anyone who notices that fish are in distress due to low water levels and rising water temperatures should report the situation to the relevant authority, such as the water management office, or a local fishing association. Rescue operations should be carried out in consultation with the relevant authority.
Food And Shelter Are Becoming Scarce
The heat is also increasingly causing food shortages for many animals. For instance, due to the drought, earthworms, insects and other small creatures are retreating into deeper layers of soil, making them harder for hedgehogs and birds to reach. At the same time, sealed surfaces are providing fewer and fewer cool refuges for animals. Asphalt, concrete and stones heat up significantly and release the stored heat well into the night. As a result, the necessary cooling does not occur even at night. Young birds can find themselves in distress due to overheated nests and, in their desperation, jump out of the nest. These cases of so-called ‘heat jumpers’ have become more frequent in recent weeks. Young birds that are not yet fully fledged should be taken to a wildlife rescue centre by those who find them, after consulting the relevant authorities.
