A new study finds historic drought in the southwestern United States is reducing habitat for several large mammals. The work appears in the journal Communications Earth and Environment and links climate patterns with landscape and wildlife management.
Researchers analysed 12 years of GPS collar data from mule deer, black bears and cougars in Nevada and Utah. The analysis covered more than 3,000 animals across a nearly 200,000-square-mile range between 2010 and 2022, and the project received federal funding from NASA.
During severe drought each species lost at least a 10% share of its highly selected habitat. The team reported habitat and fitness effects: under extreme drought the number of new fawn mule deer per doe can decline by more than 30%.
Authors note drought impacts can amplify from prey to predator. The study included more than 2,800 mule deer and 105 cougars, and the researchers argue long-term datasets are valuable for planning to reduce wildlife vulnerability.
Difficult words
- drought — Long period with very little or no rain
- habitat — Natural place where a species lives
- analysis — Detailed study of information or data
- fitness — Ability of an animal to survive and reproduce
- fawn — A young deer, recently born
- doe — An adult female deer, not male
- prey — Animals that are hunted and eaten by others
- predator — An animal that hunts and eats other animals
- amplify — To make an effect larger or stronger
- vulnerability — The state of being easily harmed or affected
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can long-term animal tracking data help managers plan to reduce wildlife vulnerability?
- Why might drought impacts amplify from prey to predator in an ecosystem?
- What actions could local communities or wildlife managers take to help large mammals during drought?
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