The impact of climate change on animal migration and behavioural adaptation

Abstract

Climate change is profoundly reshaping animal migration and behavioural ecology by altering environmental cues, resource availability, and habitat connectivity. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events disrupt the phenology, routes, and timing of migration in a wide range of taxa. These changes induce behavioural and physiological adaptations, including altered reproductive timing, foraging strategies, sedentism, and modified social interactions. In marine and terrestrial ecosystems alike, species face mismatches between migratory schedules and prey availability, increased energetic costs, and emerging disease risks. While some species display remarkable plasticity, others may lack the capacity to adapt quickly enough, threatening population viability. Conservation strategies must integrate climate-driven behavioural shifts, preserve critical corridors, and consider both proximate mechanisms (e.g.,neurophysiological adaptations) and ultimate ecological consequences.