Amidst increasing challenges due to climate change, a new study highlights how drought conditions are impacting wildlife in the Mountain West. Conducted by the University of Michigan and published in Communications Earth & Environment, the research delves into the implications of severe drought on key species like mule deer, black bears, and cougars.
The study leveraged extensive wildlife tracking data from state agencies to better understand how these species are adapting to reduced high-quality habitats. According to Neil Carter, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the University of Michigan, “the effect of drought on habitat is actually worse the higher up the food chain that you go.”
Quantifying habitat loss due to drought, researchers discovered a 10% reduction for mule deer, 14% for black bears, and an 18% decrease for cougars. Remarkably, cougars experienced nearly double the habitat loss compared to mule deer, indicating significant ecosystem disturbances.
These habitat changes are causing a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, where dried vegetation and scarce forage impact herbivores like mule deer, which subsequently affects predators relying on them. The study further indicates that mule deer populations have experienced a drastic drop in fawn recruitment—over a third during severe drought periods—posing a significant concern for population sustainability.
“That’s population-level concern,” Carter emphasized, highlighting the alarming trajectory for mule deer populations. The research underscores the importance of collaboration among wildlife managers and scientists, involving data from thousands of collared animals.
As the West continues to face rising temperatures and increased water resource pressures, these findings may support wildlife managers in identifying and protecting crucial habitats as drought conditions worsen.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona and NPR, with additional support from affiliate newsrooms across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
