In
an article recently published in the journal “Arctic,” Dr. Mark Mallory
and two other scientists from the Canadian Wildlife Service reported
their findings on a study of six species of Arctic birds that are
perishing by the thousands as they now endure global warming effects
such as insects, unpredictable weather and avalanches.
Birds
like the thick-billed murres, fulmars, and black-legged kittiwakes have
been observed being plagued by mosquitoes, as well as being found with
broken wings and fatalities from colliding with one another in thick fog
or being thrown against cliffs by gusting winds.
In one
catastrophic event, the researchers estimated that 800 birds were killed
when a cliff they were resting on collapsed due to erosion. While the
scientists did not intend to focus on fatalities related to a warming
planet, Dr. Mallory commented, “A high proportion of the adult birds we
see tend to be dying [due] to factors related to climate and weather.”
Though deeply saddened by these tragedies, we are grateful for such research about these valued species.
May
such findings hasten our actions to protect our fragile ecosystems and
fellow beings. Supreme Master Ching Hai has often addressed the
heartrending plight of our animal co-inhabitants and humanity’s ability
to stop it, as during an August 2008 videoconference with our Canadian
Association members.
Supreme Master Ching Hai: They
are trying their best to sound the warning bell, warning by disease,
and even death en masse, but I don’t know how many of us are listening.
They are trying to help us,
but we are trying to kill them.
It’s
a very sad affair. We humans have to do everything we can, not waiting
for the animals. They are already dying, dying, dying. Numerous are
dying every day.
So many other signs in nature, so many animal signs, but we have to listen. It’s not the animals. It’s us.
We just have to remind everybody to be veg and to be kind to the animals. That's the only way we can protect them.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36202287/ns/technology_and_science-science/ http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/04/climate-change-causing-bizarre-arctic-bird-deaths.php http://www.mb.ec.gc.ca/contact.en.asp