Study reveals risk of extinction due to natural disasters. Urgent conservation is crucial to protect vulnerable species!

There is scientific consensus on the serious impact that climate change is having on the planet and, in particular, on numerous species. However, natural hazards, in conjunction with global warming, can accelerate the process of extinction of terrestrial animals with limited distributions or small populations. Climate change is altering the world, and it can also make certain natural disasters more likely in places where susceptible species reside. A new study conducted by researchers from the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen has revealed global overlap between species distributions and the occurrence of four natural disasters: earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, which are often overlooked when assessing extinction risks. According to the research, there has been limited knowledge so far about which species are particularly at risk due to natural hazards. However, researchers have identified a total of 3,722 reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals at risk of extinction due to residing in areas where hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes are more likely to occur. Of these, 5.4% are at high risk of disappearing. In the words of Fernando Gonçalves, one of the study's authors, they have identified which species are at greater risk of extinction due to natural hazards, which is a novel aspect of the findings. Additionally, strategies have been highlighted to prevent these extinctions and increase population sizes, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation of these vulnerable species. According to Harith Farooq, another author of the study, by overlapping the occurrence of natural disasters with species that have limited distributions or are found in small numbers, they have been able to identify which species may be more susceptible to these threats. It is essential to understand and act on this information to ensure the survival of endangered species. The researchers have also pointed out that the region with the highest number of species at high risk is the Pacific Ring of Fire, where hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes pose a significant threat to biodiversity. It is crucial to implement conservation strategies such as intensive management of populations in situ and ex situ, as well as the establishment of secure populations, to protect these species in the coming decades. In this regard, the authors propose moving species to safer areas and establishing conservation efforts, such as captive breeding programs. A notable example is the protection of the Puerto Rican parrot, which is endangered due to human activity and hurricanes, through captive breeding and reintroduction efforts into its natural habitat in Puerto Rico. The study, published in the journal 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences', aims to initiate further efforts to prevent species extinction in the future and promote a deeper understanding of the ecological impacts of these phenomena. The loss of species not only means the disappearance of individuals but also the disruption of ecosystem functions that are essential for maintaining natural balance. In summary, the threat of natural disasters combined with climate change poses a significant risk to the survival of thousands of species worldwide. Conservation and protection of biodiversity become imperative to ensure a sustainable future for our planet and all forms of life that inhabit it.