Climate change threatens areas where birds can live, scientists say

National Audubon Society releases 'urgent' report about global warming effects

MIAMI – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classified the burrowing owls as a "species of special concern."

Populations in South Florida have been increasing, because of disappearing habitat in Central Florida. The predatory bird inhabits agricultural fields, golf courses or cemeteries.

Now new scientific models predict that by 2080, climate change will disrupt the diurnal owl's breeding range and threaten its existence. 

"It's an urgent message," National Audubon Society's chief scientist Gary Langham said.

The owl is not the only species environmentalists are concerned about. Scientists have found evidence that climate change has been altering the way birds travel looking for shelter and breeding areas through North America, scientists said.

Some species will not be able to adapt to the climate changes forecasted, according to four scientists, who published a recent National Audubon Society report.

In some cases, Florida could become a favorable environment for some birds such as the double-crested cormorant, the report said. The list of birds that may not be able to adapt include the Rufous Hummingbird, the Tundra Swan and the Cerulean Warbler.

"If nothing is done to evade this threat many of the bird species we love could disappear forever," Langham said.

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