opinionNearly half of endangered land mammals and a quarter of birds are already harmed by climate change -- a much higher segment than previously thought, researchers have found. The data suggests that “the impact of climate change on mammals and birds in the recent past is currently greatly under-appreciated,” according to a study in the journal Nature Climate Change this week. Of the 873 listed mammal species, 414 (47 percent) have likely “responded negatively” to climate change, and 298 (just over 23 percent) of 1,272 birds, the researchers found. Climate change can affect animals by limiting food and water, spreading disease and shrinking living space. “We recommend that research and conservation efforts give greater attention to the 'here and now' of climate change impacts on life on Earth,” the researchers said.

Source: Sunday Times February 14, 2017 13:43 UTC