Ensuing Humans And Animals' Conflicts Caused By Climate Change 

There are serious repercussions for Nigeria's animal population from climate change. Concerns have been raised that it is altering the habitat, behavior, and survival of animals.

According to those with more knowledge, its impacts are varied and include increased disease prevalence, habitat loss, species redistribution, and changes in reproductive habits. With that, it's a known Knowledge that the majority of Nigerian species are experiencing changes in their geographic distribution due to rising temperatures and changed precipitation patterns.

Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos, for instance, is severely affected by climate change, but the residents are doing all they could to withstand the harsh weather conditions that also affect their domestic animals and birds. According to observations in some quarters, the degradation of coral reef ecosystems, saltwater intrusion, and an increase in tropical cyclones pose a threat to such a coastal region.

Because these fluctuate erratically, animals that depend on particular temperature ranges or precipitation patterns are in danger. As a result, animals are compelled to migrate higher in latitude or altitude, which cause them to collide with populated areas or alter the balance of predator-prey relationships.

A direct result of rising temperatures is heat stress, which is especially harmful to livestock such as goats, sheep, and cattle. This is being experienced in many communities across the country. According to some sources, it results in increased mortality, inefficient reproduction, and decreased milk production. Additionally, heat stress weakens these animals' immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to infection.

Another significant issue is water scarcity, which is brought on by erratic rain and drought patterns. Due to poor growth rates and decreased yields caused by animals drying up, northern beef producers are the most negatively impacted. In severe situations, extended water shortages result in animal deaths, which causes significant financial losses. Desertification and land erosion brought on by climate change are also to blame for the degradation of grazing pastures. Deforestation, according to someone who wouldn't want the name be printed.

The spread of parasites and disease among livestock is facilitated by warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns. Trypanosomiasis and other vector-borne diseases that affect sheep, goats, and cattle have increased as a result of this. Disease outbreaks like bird flu and foot-and-mouth disease have also increased, resulting in significant financial losses.

The main cause of low water levels in wetlands is drought, and migratory birds perish as a result of dehydration and rising temperatures. According to experts, habitat loss and climate events that force people and wildlife to live in increasingly crowded habitats are two more ways that climate change increases conflict between humans and wildlife.

As ecosystems change, people and wildlife move farther from home in pursuit of resources, food, and water. Conflict between humans and wildlife frequently has disastrous effects on the animals that are the targets. Among the various species are the Niger Delta red colobus monkey and Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees.

On the other hand, opinion leaders believe that the dispute between Nigerian farmers and cattle herders over land is one of the major effects of climate change in the country. Due to rising temperatures and ensuing conflicts, climate change has reduced the amount of land suitable for farming and grazing. International cooperation is needed to combat the effects of climate change on animals.

To raise awareness of the issue, a theater production called "The Herds" is touring from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle. The tour demonstrates how animals are being forced from their homes due to global warming by using enormous puppet animals. In order to map the resilience of communities to climate change, the tour traveled through Makoko.

The UN is encouraging communication and training as a realizable way to lessen violence and improve the likelihood that communities will cooperate to fight climate change,

The UN acknowledges the importance of wildlife and biodiversity investments for Nigeria's natural resources and human future. The international body is addressing the climate crisis and its effects in Nigeria on all fronts.

Training in effective farming methods and other feedstock production techniques is offered by the UN. The UN works to improve models.

Odimegwu Onwumere writes from Rivers State.

Pics credit: online