Researchers studied 12 years of GPS collar data from mule deer, black bears and cougars in Nevada and Utah to see how drought changes areas of highly suitable habitat.
The analysis covered animals across a very large region between 2010 and 2022 and received federal support from NASA. Utah is one of nine states now fully affected by drought.
During severe drought each species lost part of its best habitat and mule deer had many fewer fawns per doe. The team says long-term data and coordinated planning can help reduce wildlife vulnerability.
Difficult words
- drought — A long period with very little rain.
- habitat — The natural place where animals live.
- species — A group of similar living animals.
- fawn — A young deer, not yet adult.fawns
- federal — Related to the national government.
- vulnerability — The state of being easily harmed.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why can long-term data help protect wildlife?
- What actions could help animals during drought in your area?
- Have you seen signs of drought where you live? What did you notice?
Related articles
Deforestation and Indigenous communities in the Republic of Congo
Civil society groups say logging and other extractive activity, often linked to Chinese firms, are accelerating forest loss in the Congo Basin. Indigenous peoples face land loss and threats to their livelihoods while oversight and compensation remain unclear.
Wildfire smoke in late pregnancy linked to higher autism risk
A study of more than 200,000 births in Southern California found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester was associated with higher autism diagnoses by age five. Researchers say the results are not conclusive and need more study.
Indigenous leader Dzoodzo Baniwa wins climate award
Dzoodzo Baniwa, from the Alto Río Negro territory in Amazonas, won a Bunge Foundation award for work on the climate emergency and practical agricultural science solutions. The prize highlights links between indigenous knowledge and scientific practice.