Quck answer
The Bramble Cay melomys, a small rodent native to the Great Barrier Reef, has become the first mammal species to go extinct due to human-induced climate change. The melomys, which lived only on a tiny island off the coast of Australia, was declared extinct in 2019 after its habitat was destroyed by rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events. This loss highlights the urgent need for action to address climate change and protect the world’s biodiversity.
Wild Animals
A type of melomys related to the Australian species previously considered to have disappeared. Cameron DeJong/Flickr/CC2.0
Climate change has claimed its first mammal species due to human activities. Bramble Cay Melomys, a small rodent found exclusively on a distant Australian island, has now been officially declared extinct.
The new report has explored the population of the mouse-like creature and concluded nothing to report. The Bramble Cay melomys (Melomys rubicola) had already been living a precarious life. It only inhabited the small island that shared its name and fed on vegetation that grew on the cay, which is part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. During a six-day survey, no rodents were found on the island – only ghost crabs.
The island itself was only 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level, which proved to be the undoing of the melomys. The island is now only 63 percent of its size in the late 1990s when measured at high tide. In addition to the loss of land, rising sea levels brought more saltwater into the interior of the small island, now only 6.3 acres in size. The ocean water salinated the ground, fewer plants grew because of the salt in the sandy soil, and the rodents had less food to eat. According to the paper, the loss of food and a 97 percent loss of habitable space caused the population to collapse. The paper also suggests that ocean tides may have been directly responsible for some of the rodents’ deaths, drowning them or sweeping them out to sea.
“The key factor responsible for the extirpation of this population was almost certainly ocean inundation of the low-lying cay,” write the paper authors, “very likely on multiple occasions, during the last decade, causing dramatic habitat loss and perhaps also direct mortality of individuals.”
Sea levels worldwide have risen 19 inches (48 centimeters) since 1901, a rate unprecedented over the past 6,000 years. Moreover, the report notes that sea levels in the Bramble Cay region have risen at double the global rate for the past 20 years.
The melomys is also known as the mosaic-tailed rat, and Melomys rubicola was the only mammal native to the Great Barrier Reef. It was first identified by sailors in 1845, and the last sighting was on Bramble Cay in 2009. There are 22 other melomys species living in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Now That’s Interesting
A recent study indicates that the same meteor impact that caused the extinction of dinosaurs wiped out over 90% of mammalian species that existed at the time. Today’s mammals, including humans, are descendants of the surviving 10%.
FAQ
1. What happened to the Melomys?
The Bramble Cay melomys, a small rat species endemic to a remote island in the Great Barrier Reef, has been declared extinct due to climate change. Rising sea levels and increasingly frequent extreme weather events caused by global warming led to the loss of the rodent’s habitat and food sources, ultimately driving it to extinction.
2. Why is the extinction of the Melomys significant?
The extinction of the Bramble Cay melomys marks the first mammal species to be lost to climate change. This event highlights the devastating impact of global warming on vulnerable species and ecosystems and serves as a warning of what may come if we do not take immediate action to address climate change.
3. Are other species at risk of extinction due to climate change?
Yes, climate change is a major threat to biodiversity, and many species are at risk of extinction due to the effects of global warming. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events can all impact ecosystems and disrupt the delicate balance of species that rely on them.
4. What can be done to prevent further extinctions?
To prevent further extinctions due to climate change, we must take immediate action to reduce our carbon emissions and slow global warming. This can involve transitioning to clean energy sources, conserving natural habitats, and implementing policies that support sustainable practices. We must also work to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems through conservation efforts and targeted measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
5. How can individuals help address climate change?
Individuals can help address climate change by reducing their carbon footprint through actions such as using public transportation, eating a plant-based diet, and conserving energy at home. Supporting policies and initiatives that prioritize climate action and voting for leaders who prioritize climate solutions can also make a significant impact.
6. What role do governments play in addressing climate change?
Governments play a crucial role in addressing climate change by implementing policies and regulations that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. They can also support research and development of clean energy technologies and provide funding for conservation efforts. International cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, are also important in addressing the global nature of climate change.
7. Is it too late to prevent further extinctions?
While some extinctions may be inevitable due to the long-term impacts of climate change, it is not too late to prevent further extinctions and mitigate the worst effects of global warming. By taking immediate action to reduce our carbon emissions and protect vulnerable species and ecosystems, we can work to preserve biodiversity and ensure a more sustainable future.
8. What are some potential consequences of inaction on climate change?
Inaction on climate change could lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and displacement of vulnerable communities. It could also lead to the loss of biodiversity and collapse of ecosystems, which would have far-reaching impacts on human societies and economies.
9. What can be done to adapt to the effects of climate change?
Adaptation measures can include building infrastructure to protect against extreme weather events, developing drought-resistant crops, and implementing policies to support the relocation of vulnerable communities. However, it is important to note that adaptation alone cannot solve the problem of climate change and must be paired with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.
10. How can we ensure a sustainable future?
To ensure a sustainable future, we must prioritize the conservation of natural habitats and biodiversity, transition to clean energy sources, and implement policies that support sustainable practices. We must also work to address social and economic inequalities and promote international cooperation in addressing the global nature of climate change.
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