| USA. Duck populations on Devils Lake waterfowl areas threatened by global warming |
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| Friday, 06 October 2006 | |
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Environmental news: The lush lakes, ponds and wetlands that comprise the Devils Lake Wetland Management District are likely to dry up in the future, threatening duck populations, as a result of drought caused by global warming, according to a new report released today by Defenders of Wildlife. Devils Lake Wetland Management District, part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, is one of 10 refuges profiled in Refuges at Risk: The Threat of Global Warming, America's Ten Most Endangered National Wildlife Refuges 2006, released in advance of National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 8-14. Devils Lake Wetland Management District manages a network of over 200 "waterfowl production areas" -- small ponds and wetlands often on or surrounded by private lands. Mallards, gadwalls, teals, pintails, shovelers, snow geese, wood ducks, bluebirds and herons flock to these ponds and uplands to breed. In all more than 300 bird species rely on these wetlands. "North Dakota's tens of thousands of small lakes and ponds are this country's duck factory," stated Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife. "But scientists warn that increased temperatures could dry up many of these lakes and devastate waterfowl populations across the continent." Recent studies predict that warmer climates in the northern prairies will increase the frequency and severity of droughts, reducing the number of small, isolated ponds by almost 40 percent. With the loss of these ponds, or "prairie potholes," the number of breeding ducks in the region could be cut in half. The changing climate poses a huge challenge for those in charge of managing the refuge system. Defenders' report offers a two-pronged approach to dealing with the impacts of these changes including steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and initiatives to help plan for the changes global warming will inevitably bring to these vital areas. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with preserving and protecting the refuge system and needs to take immediate steps to deal with the damage caused by global warming," declared Schlickeisen. "By implementing more energy efficient practices, expanding partnerships, exploring new initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases and developing comprehensive plans that address global warming, the Service and our refuge system will be better prepared to meet the challenges ahead." |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 06 October 2006 ) |
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