Effects of Hurricanes on Wildlife: Implications and Strategies for Management

摘要

Hurricanes, often known as typhoons or cyclones, are common in many parts of theworld where their frequent occurrence can have both direct and indirect effects on wildlife. Direct effects include mortality from exposure to hurricane winds, rains and storm surges, and geographic displacement of individuals by storm winds. Indirect effects appear after the storm and include loss of food or foraging substrates; loss of nests, nest or roost sites; increased vulnerability to predation; change in microclimates; and increased conflict with humans. Recovery of wildlife populations from hurricane effects is partially dependent on the extent and degree of vegetation damage as well as its rate of recovery. Also, the reproductive rate of the remnant local population and recruitment from undisturbed habitat patches influence the rate at which wildlife populations recover from damage.