How France's early heatwave is affecting plants and wildlife
France is experiencing an early heatwave that poses risks to wildlife, particularly birds. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are preparing for an influx of young birds affected by the extreme temperatures. The heatwave coincides with the nesting period, leading to potential abandonment of nests and increased mortality among chicks.
- ▪The heatwave is unprecedented and affects both human populations and wildlife.
- ▪Bird species at risk include swifts, swallows, storks, and some birds of prey.
- ▪High temperatures can cause adult birds to abandon their nests, leading to potential chick mortality.
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A Canada goose stands on the shore of Pen Ponds lake in Richmond Park, west London, on May 24, 2026. BROOK MITCHELL/AFP Wildlife rehabilitation centers run by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO, League for the Protection of Birds) are on high alert: They are prepared for a possible influx of young birds, victims of the heatwave currently hitting France. Beyond its consequences for human populations, this extreme and unprecedented weather event is also set to affect animals and plants, even if such impacts remain extremely difficult to assess and quantify. Among birds, species most at risk are those nesting under rooftops, such as swifts or swallows, or in exposed spots with little shade, such as storks or some birds of prey nesting on cliffs.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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