Climate change that has caused enough havoc to the planet already is now pushing the wolverine on the verge of extinction. The predator renowned for its strength and tenacious character, may melt away with the declining snowpack they depend on for various food sources. According to a research, led by Dr. Jedediah Brodie of the University of Montana, wolverines are decreasing in number all across North America and climate change is being blamed for the drop.
wolverine population shrinking
The study is the first one to show the decline of any land species due to vanishing snowpack. It showed that wolverines appear to use areas with deep snowpack for dispersal. Hence, if the snowpack reduces, it will directly affect dispersal by making it more difficult or dangerous. The reduction in snowpack is also expected to make the specie go through food crisis. The harsh winters and deep snow account in increasing the mortality of elk, moose, deer, and caribou, leaving the wolverine with sufficient food.
Apart from the abovementioned, wolverines also depend on rodents for food and this food source is also believed to be important for their reproductive success in some areas. But, shallower snowpack provides less insulation, so is a treat to rodents’ survival. This means lesser rodents would affect the wolverines adversely.
Via: MNN
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