by In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Princeton University and other institutions around the world have analyzed the real-time responses of mammal communities during a natural disaster. The study, published in the journal Nature, focuses on the effects of Cyclone Idai on Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park in May 2019.
The researchers utilized trail cameras and animal-tracking devices that had been in place prior to the storm to document the hurricane’s impact on the park. This allowed them to gather a minute-by-minute account of how the storm affected the park and how the animals responded. This is the first study of its kind to track the real-time responses of a large-mammal community during a natural disaster.
The study found that the size of the animals played a crucial role in their survival. Smaller mammals, such as the oribi and reedbucks, experienced significant population declines. In contrast, larger herbivores like nyala, kudu, sable, and elephants had no fatalities. The research team also discovered that smaller-sized animals were unable to outpace the floodwaters and were not able to buffer the nutritional limitations that occurred after the storm.
During the flood, the researchers observed that the GPS-collared bushbucks sought higher ground, including termite mound hillocks that acted as islands in the flood. One survivor managed to navigate from mound to mound, bypassing the floodwaters and finding safety in the elevated wooded areas. The larger herbivores had an advantage due to their body size, as they were able to better withstand the floodwaters and nutritional limitations.
The study findings were consistent with a previous study on hurricane effects on island populations, which examined lizards and spiders in the Bahamas. The researchers note that these patterns seem to hold true across different taxonomic and geographic contexts.
Based on their findings, the research team recommends two primary strategies for wildlife managers faced with impending storms. Firstly, they suggest evacuating the smallest and most ecologically vulnerable creatures to safer areas. Additionally, providing supplementary feed after the storm is crucial, as the loss of grasses and low-lying vegetation can lead to dietary limitations for many small creatures.
The study also revealed that carnivores in the park, such as wild dogs and leopards, were largely unaffected by the cyclone. These predators benefited from the concentration of prey animals in upland areas, while their primary food source, warthogs, remained in the uplands for an extended period.
The collaborative nature of the study was highlighted by the researchers, who emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations between researchers from different fields. The study involved scientists from institutions in five countries, including Princeton University, the University of Idaho, the University of California, and the University of British Columbia, among others.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the impact of natural disasters on mammal populations and highlights the factors that contribute to their survival during such events. This research can inform wildlife management strategies and help prepare for increasingly severe weather events in the future.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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