Blue tits, hedgehogs… The intense heat gripping France these days isn’t without consequences for wildlife.
Tolerance Varies by Species
Just like humans, the wildlife in our backyards is extremely sensitive to extreme heat. How sensitive are animals to heat waves? During such periods, high temperatures directly affect their well-being, sometimes causing distress or physical failure in some of them if no relief is provided.
Obviously, in the face of the sun’s heat, animals are not all equal. Cold-blooded reptiles, such as lizards and snakes, actively seek heat to become active and reproduce. Conversely, many mammals and birds suffer greatly because they have very few sweat glands, which prevents them from effectively regulating their body temperature through sweating.
Simple Steps to Protect Them
The small species that inhabit our green spaces are the first victims of heat waves. Small birds, amphibians, squirrels, voles, and hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable. Without assistance, these animals face a serious risk of dehydration that can quickly prove fatal.
To protect the little inhabitants of your garden, a few simple adjustments can make all the difference. You can set up water sources (such as shallow bowls or saucers scattered around) to allow them to drink and cool off. Also, be sure to leave unmowed patches of lawn as well as hedges. They will provide them with lifesaving shade. Finally, placing a few damaged fruits on the ground will offer them a valuable source of food and hydration.
