Wildlife in Drought Conditions

It is raining a long needed rain today. Dry, cracked soil soaked up a respectable amount of rain water in the last few days. Older plants and grass, brown from the long summer drought in this area, already appear refreshed. Leaves stand upright and new green growth can be seen amid dead stalks. Small streams carry moving water again. Ground wells fill up as concern about water consumption and conservation diminish. Local bans on burning paper trash may soon be lifted.

We are always at the mercy of Mother Nature. Too little or too much of anything is not good. Extremes can be devastating and deadly. For now, this rain is welcome here. It should have a lasting, positive affect on the drought conditions in our state.

Along with the rain comes another change in weather conditions. Cooler temperatures attest to the yearly seasonal cycles. Summertime draws to a close and soon autumn begins. Soaring temperatures that helped increase drought damage have dropped to bearable digits. Open windows replace air conditioners and sleep comes easier. The damage may already be done.

Weather affects many areas of nature that we rarely give thought to. Rainfall and temperature determine when the yearly fall foliage show will begin, how long it will last and the intensity of that autumn show.

Naturally, precipitation fuels the life of plants and animals. In drought conditions, death may be unavoidable for creatures unable to relocate. Due to the biodiversity of nature, the entire environment changes when rainfall is inadequate.

In a drought, marshes and small streams dry up along with many forms of life. Frogs, for example, may lay their eggs in a marshy area that becomes dry in a drought. Even if the eggs hatch, tadpoles are unable to live without water. They will not develop into frogs. A domino affect begins. Frogs eat a vast amount of insects. Without frogs, more insects devour plant life. In addition, animals that depend on frogs for food, like the weasel, will suffer. In turn, owls, hawks and snakes seek out weasels to help sustain them. The decline of just one species affects many.

A drought will change the habits of most all wildlife. Animals that are able to move from their territory in search of suitable conditions still endure hardship during a drought. Birds, for example, expend enormous energy in flight. Once their water source dries up they need to go further from home to a new source. This additional use of energy means more food is necessary to fuel additional energy, but that food source may not have made it through the drought. An endless cycle.

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