Conservation and Wildlife
How Cyclone Idai disrupts Mozambique’s ecosystem, food chain
...wild dogs had to adapt to sea food
The devastating impact of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique unfolded as a perfect opportunity for scientists to study the responses of wildlife to severe weather conditions.
The cyclone, with its intense winds, heavy rainfall, and extensive flooding, pushed animals out of lower-lying areas, concentrating them in higher regions.
Larger herbivores demonstrated better adaptability, while large carnivores found a more accessible food supply.
Utilizing data from multiple research projects, the international research team assessed the movement, distribution, and dietary changes of various species over a three-year period. Small antelopes like oribi and bushbuck sought refuge on elevated patches, navigating between temporary islands, while larger antelopes, such as nyala and kudu, migrated to higher ground.
The flood’s timing in March disrupted foraging areas, forcing herbivores to shift to taller, woody plants with lower nutritional value.
The change in diet led to increased competition and a decrease in body condition, particularly for smaller species like bushbuck and nyala.
Aerial surveys revealed the first population decreases in 30 years, with smaller antelopes experiencing the most significant decline.
In contrast, the impact on carnivores, such as lions and wild dogs, was less severe. These predators moved away from the expanding flood zone, with wild dogs adapting their diet to include more waterbuck. Both lion and wild dog populations increased, taking advantage of weaker and more food-stressed herbivores as a more abundant food source.
The study emphasised the importance of animal size in determining resilience to disturbances, with larger species proving more adaptable to adverse conditions. Understanding how different wildlife species respond to and recover from climatic disturbances becomes crucial for the conservation of protected areas like Gorongosa National Park, aiding wildlife managers in focusing efforts on vulnerable species and habitats based on their contributions to system recovery.
Pix: Getty Images
