In this long period of time, birds have managed to survive until modern times, transcending the extreme earth dynamics such as the mass extinction period. While many dinosaurs could not survive, the birds made it through.
In this long period of time, birds have managed to survive until modern times, transcending the extreme earth dynamics such as the mass extinction period. While many dinosaurs could not survive, the birds made it through.
The challenges for birds to go through extreme dynamics have returned and it's now even heavier. The geological or astronomical factors are not the only influencing factors to the current dynamics of the environment. Humans, the “newly born” on earth one hundred thousand years ago, have succeeded in changing the landscape and the cycles of matter on earth.
With the increase in greenhouse gasses caused by human activities, it is estimated that in the next few decades the earth's surface temperature will rise by around 3.5 °C. However, experts have warned that even a 2°C increase of temperature is already strenuous. At a great expense, rich countries can make adjustments or adaptations to these conditions. However, for developing countries, adaptation is more difficult to effort.
For birds, overcoming the environmental dynamics has been going on for a long time, with millions of years of adapting experience. But climate change is currently happening at a rapid rate and an increase at this rate is unprecedented.
So they are developing behavioral changes to adapt. For example, some birds build their nests earlier, compared to the usual schedule in previous decades, as they adjust to the early summer.
Rising temperatures can also cause habitat ranges to narrow. There are birds that depend on a certain temperature range. As the temperature increases, the range shifts, for example to a higher altitude with cooler temperatures. But even this kind of shift is only to a certain extent.
On the other hand, moving also does not necessarily solve other problems such as the availability of feed. Dependence on forage trees or nesting trees affected by climate change is also critical. Moreover, related to the ability of mobility and life cycle, trees cannot easily shift their place of life.
Since climate change has already occurred, the most important thing to do is to reduce its rate. We challenge industrialized countries to immediately reduce their emissions. On the other hand, we also need to increase our adaptive capacity. Apart from repairing hard infrastructure, natural forests also play a major role in adapting to climate change.
Natural forests are a strategic solution because they not only shrink emissions but also provide adaptive capacity. Communities around the forest can directly use forest products as a substitute for livelihoods that are disrupted by the impact of climate change.
And for birds, healthy forests provide more diverse niches. The development of knowledge will increase our understanding in preparing the best adaptation strategies for forests. The best thing to do right now is to sustain the natural forests so the birds can continue to fly and sound. (Yoppy Hidayanto)
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This publication is an archive series of Burung Magazine articles which were circulated in the period 2006-2011. Information regarding the status of birds has been updated with the actual conditions.