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Comment and Environment

Climate change isn't only hammering species that live in cold places

Global warming isn't just affecting animals like polar bears and walruses. Action is also needed to save species such as African wild dogs, which are adapted to hot weather, warns Daniella Rabaiotti

By Daniella Rabaiotti

23 August 2023

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Simone Rotella

WHEN you consider the effects of climate change on wildlife, what comes to mind? Perhaps a polar bear or a walrus perched on a melting iceberg. Maybe you envision coral bleached white as sea temperatures rise. What you probably didn’t imagine though, is climate change’s impact on an African wild dog.

My first encounter with the species was in Laikipia, Kenya, back in 2012. An African wild dog emerged from a nearby bush, sporting a very fetching GPS collar. His exquisite tan, black and white markings immediately caught my eye, and I fell in love with the joyful vocalisations…

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