Climate change forces wildlife to change migration routes in Northwest
Animals use riparian corridors, the land surrounding rivers and streams, as natural migration routes.
A study led by the University of Washington mapped these corridors in the Northwest and identified which will be the most important for animals trying to navigate the changing climate.
Meade Krosby studies riparian corridors. On Monday, she flew with LightHawk volunteer pilot Dan Marks past Everett and witnessed riparian habitats that were not in good shape.
"As we are moving up out of Everett, we are slowly starting to see the vegetation come in along the sides of the river," Krosby said.
Krosby said these areas are becoming escape routes as climate change brings alterations in habitat and wildlife seek places where they're less stressed.
"One of the key ways that plants and animals respond to climate change, one of the key ways they adapt, is by moving. They shift their ranges so that they stay in areas that are comfortable for them climatically," Krosby said.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/climate-change-forces-wildlife-to-change-migration-routes-in-northwest/ar-BBUXyvZ
