Animals in nature are finding it increasingly difficult due to climate change: floods and prolonged periods of drought and heat threaten their well-being. The layout of the Dutch landscape also often makes it difficult for these animals to flee from extreme weather conditions. More targeted measures are therefore needed so that wild animals can also survive in these types of situations. The RDA writes this in the exploration A means of escape for wild animals.
Based on this exploration, the RDA is considering measures for both the short term (the construction of water wells and traffic islands, etc.) and the long term (adjustments to the landscape such as an increase in the groundwater level and the construction of connecting zones, etc.). The council wants to discuss this with site managers and other parties involved. This makes it possible to visualize what is possible in practice.
Climate change is causing increasingly extreme weather.
Heavy rainfall, storms, heat waves, floods and prolonged droughts...
pose new challenges for humans and animals.
But how should we actually deal with this?
The Council on Animal Affairs has carried out research...
on how climate change affects the welfare of animals in the wild.
For example, heavy rainfall can lead to flooding...
causing wild animals to drown or to become trapped.
And prolonged drought can lead to forest fires and food shortages.
It is difficult for wild animals to adapt to climate change.
This threatens their well-being.
Structural changes to the landscape...
can help animals cope better with extreme weather.
Examples of this include raising the groundwater level...
or creating connecting zones.
In acute situations, the construction of wells and refuge mounds can help.
The RDA wants to discuss these kinds of measures with land managers...
and other parties involved.
This will help to identify the possibilities.
Want to know more? Go to www.rda.nl.