The UN Environment Programme says that rising temperatures could mean the end for some migrating (迁徙) animals.
Migrating animals move through several environments as they travel away from the cold areas in winter to warmer ones. Birds may fly from one part of the world to another, perhaps stopping at feeding grounds on the way. Whales and turtles travel through huge areas of ocean. A report says that changes in any one of the places where these animals stay can cause serious problems. "Obviously these animals have developed their travelling ways over thousands of years. But weather change is much greater over the next 25 to 50 years and it is impossible for these animals to change their habits fast enough," said the report writer Dr. Robert Hepworth.
Turtles are hit hardest by rising temperatures. Scientists have found that at higher temperatures, turtles have far more female(雌性) eggs than male ones. In parts of Malaysia, turtles are only giving birth to female babies. And some turtles are more probable(可能的) to develop cancer as the waters get warmer.
With birds, the main problem is the harm to important areas at the end of their travels or at resting places along the way. About one-fifth of migrating birds are now in danger because of these changes including rising sea levels, land loss and more strong storms.
Some other animals are now in great danger. For example, the North Atlantic Right Whale (北大西洋露脊鲸)is losing their food because of the changing ocean flows(流动); the White-Nose Dolphin is out-competed (淘汰) by other kinds in warmer waters.
The report is not all bad news. Even with the temperature changing, protecting the environment can still help migrating animals return. "We need governments to start taking action all over the world. The clock is ticking. We should make full use of every minute." said Dr Hepworth. And now some projects are already working! Whales are changing their feeding habits, finding new feeding grounds and new foods to eat.
