As the world marks World Animal Day on October 4, 2026, growing concerns are being raised over the increasing threats posed by climate change to the survival of animals and the ecosystems on which they depend.

Ibrahima Yakubu, Head of Communication and Strategies at African Climate Reporters, said climate change is increasingly becoming a serious threat to both wildlife and domestic animals, with rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, extreme flooding, wildfires and changing rainfall patterns creating increasingly difficult conditions for animal survival.

Yakubu, in a press statement made available to journalists, warned that the impacts of climate change are already placing additional pressure on ecosystems across Africa.

He said many wildlife species depend on forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers and other natural ecosystems for food, water and shelter.

“As these ecosystems are degraded or altered by climate change, animals are increasingly being forced to move longer distances in search of food and water, exposing them to greater risks.”

According to him, extreme heat can trigger heat stress, dehydration and death among animals, while prolonged drought can destroy vegetation and reduce access to essential water sources.

He added that floods and wildfires could destroy breeding grounds, nests and natural habitats, leaving vulnerable species with fewer places to feed, reproduce and survive.

Yakubu further noted that climate change is disrupting animal migration, reproduction and feeding patterns, as changes in temperature and seasonal conditions affect when animals migrate, reproduce and search for food.

“For species already threatened by habitat destruction, illegal hunting, pollution and other human activities, climate change can push them closer to extinction,” he warned.

The climate threat, he said, extends beyond wildlife to livestock and other domestic animals, which are increasingly exposed to heat stress, water shortages, declining pasture and climate-sensitive diseases.

“These impacts can threaten the livelihoods of communities that depend on animals for food and income,” he said.

Yakubu called for stronger climate and environmental journalism to improve public understanding of the links between climate change, animal survival and ecosystem protection.

He said journalists have an important role to play by drawing attention to disappearing habitats, declining water sources, changing wildlife patterns and other climate-related threats, while also reporting on practical solutions that can help protect vulnerable species.

“Journalists can play an important role by reporting on disappearing habitats, declining water sources, changing wildlife patterns and other climate-related threats, while also highlighting solutions that can help protect vulnerable species,” he said.

He urged governments, conservation organisations, communities and environmental groups to intensify efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, protect forests and wetlands, improve water management and reduce activities that contribute to climate change.

As the world celebrates World Animal Day, Yakubu said the occasion should go beyond celebrating animals and serve as a reminder that their survival is closely linked to the health of the planet.

“Protecting animals from climate change means protecting their habitats, ecosystems and the future of life itself,” he said. (The Guardian)

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