Among the myriad of bird species that occupy our environment, non-migratory and non-marine birds demonstrate two fundamental survival strategies: living fast and dying young or living longer and hedging bets. The choice between these two strategies depends heavily on their environment and breeding abilities.

Bird species residing in regions with a high annual temperature variability often exhibit shorter lifespans. They breed early and frequently, maximizing their chances of passing on their genes in a fluctuating environment. Conversely, birds inhabiting environments with a greater level of yearly variability have been found to live longer. They are inclined to skip breeding seasons when conditions are suboptimal, choosing instead to wait for more favorable circumstances.

However, the ongoing and escalating issue of climate change could pose a significant threat to these longer-lived bird species. Species that evolve faster may have an advantage in this situation, as they could be better equipped to adapt to rapidly rising temperatures. In essence, the pace of life could be a decisive factor in the struggle for survival in a changing climate.

Indeed, studies have found a significant correlation between environmental variability and lifespan in birds. Birds with shorter lifespans usually inhabit environments with high seasonality, while longer-living species are often found in areas where there is more variability from year to year.

Climate change could present a significant risk to certain long-lived bird species. This is particularly true for species in Southeast Asia, where temperatures that have traditionally been steady are now rising at a rate that these species are struggling to adapt to.

A comprehensive study involving 7,477 bird species discovered a tendency for bird species to have longer lifespans in environments that vary more over time. However, these longer-lived species may also be at greater risk due to more significant generational changes and slower adaptation to climate change.

On the other hand, bird species with faster paces of life, characterized by shorter lifespans and higher reproduction rates, may find themselves more vulnerable to consecutive bad environmental years. This vulnerability reduces their opportunities to breed and successfully raise offspring.

The potential threats to these bird species brought on by climate change underline the importance of conservation and management efforts. These should prioritize species that are most susceptible to climate change. Furthermore, it is necessary to contextualize rates of climate change in terms of historical environmental variability and the pace of life of different species. Understanding these complexities is a crucial step in preserving our diverse bird populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Science4Data is committed to cut through greenwashing and measure real impact. Join the journey to a sustainable future. Your actions matter.