21% of Cetaceans Could Go Extinct Due to Global Warming

According to a new study, climate change could drastically alter 88% of the waters where dolphins, whales and porpoises are found. While some species may stand to benefit from the changes, the research concluded that one fifth of cetacean species could be lost forever.

The cetaceans most at risk are colder water species and species with restricted ranges in shallower waters. All in all, as many as half of cetacean species should experience a shrinking of their habitat as the oceans warm.

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Many polar cetaceans such as the Narwhal and Beluga were already known to be endangered due to disappearing sea ice, however many species that live in warmer, temperate zones will be affected just as much, the research found. According to Dr. Colin McLeod, who conducted the study: “Some species found in temperate waters may be at risk not just because of the water temperatures they live in, but also because they only live in shallow waters. These species cannot simply respond to increases in sea temperature by moving into cooler neighbouring areas if the waters there are too deep.”

Examples of endangered shallow-living species include Europe’s White-Beaked Dolphin and Mexico’s Vaquita. The Vaquita, which is the world’s smallest marine cetacean, is only found in the Gulf of California. Since the Gulf of California is so enclosed, the tiny porpoises may have no way out if waters there get too warm. Also at risk would be the entire group of poorly-known dolphin species of the genus Cephalorhynchus.

In total, the casualties could include 5 of the world’s 6 species of porpoise, as well as two species of baleen whale: the Bowhead Whale and the Southern Right Whale.

Because global warming can so quickly change the suitability of habitats and ecosystems, merely protecting habitat by setting aside marine and nature preserves cannot be a roundabout solution. If these species are going to survive, then any solution must include doing whatever can be done to slow the rapid changes wrought by human-caused climate change.

Source: Wildlife Extra

Image Credit: The Pug Father on Flickr under a Creative Commons License

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