Although the US experiences only one to two major hurricanes per year, 15 storms have the potential to destroy entire communities within a year. A natural disaster like this can cause havoc to innocent wildlife communities and destroy ecosystem-sustaining vegetation and trees, vital habitats for the local wildlife. Hurricanes will always be a force to reckon with. However, residents of the affected areas can help to rebuild their communities. How do you start? The first step in recovery is to acknowledge that you have a problem. We can help these ecosystems return to health by identifying signs of damage like the ones below. Are you ready to help hurricane-affected areas? Keep the following in mind. Hurricanes are capable of causing severe damage to vegetation and trees along the coast. In 1992., Hurricane Andrew decimated up to 80% trees in certain Louisiana basins. 2005, Katrina caused even greater damage than Andrew. Habitat loss is a consequence of the loss in vegetation for certain species. These species lose habitat, shelter, as well as the fruit, seeds and berries they consume. Granite Seed and other conservation seed suppliers like Granite Seed can assist in restoring areas damaged by hurricanes. Nearby ecosystems will not be affected by semi-annual storms’ destructive forces because there are many erosion control products available. Hurricanes can cause significant animal dislocation and animal death along the coast. Sometimes, a storm of this magnitude can wipe out a species living in one place or one island. Birds can also be displaced hundreds of miles from their habitat during a storm. Example: Before Hurricane Irma, there were adult pairs of Magnificent frigatebirds on Codrington Lagoon National Park. This is located in the Caribbean Island Barbuda. Their numbers plummeted to hundreds after hurricane force winds forced them to migrate to other countries. Floodwaters from hurricanes are often deadly for small animals, such as rabbits and mice that live underground. These delicate animals can also be killed when wind or debris blows them off their feet. Hurricanes can cause marine and aquatic animals to be dislocated or lost. Sea turtle eggs that have been nested at beachside sanctuary can be swept into the sea as storms sweep through. After Hurricane Andrew, nine million Louisiana fish and 182 millions of fish from Florida’s Everglade’s Basin were killed. To make matters worse, many dolphins sustained injuries from Hurricane Katrina that needed rehabilitation. Seawater damage Strong hurricane winds can create ocean surges alongshore. Hurricane Katrina, for example, pushed water up to 30 feet in the inland. The seawater surged inland by hurricanes can cause salt to enter freshwater and brackish wetlands, which in turn affects their salinity. Salt-tolerant animals, including fish and plants, often die. Saltwater that stagnates in bottomland forests can cause damage to or death. Flood damage to marine and coastal environments. Heavy rains can lead to soil and sediment washing into the oceans and coastal areas. Hurricanes are not immune to tropical storms. After Tropical Storm Agnes’ destruction of the grasslands in 1972., it took 40 many years for them to recover. Blue crabs and striped bass were able to use the grassland as a home and food supply for their species. The ocean may be covered by sediments that can block sunlight from coral reefs. You can help. While hurricanes are bound to cause wildlife damage, there are many rescue groups that will help animals in need. It is vital to protect species dependent on these plant lives by replanting damaged trees and grasses. This article may interest you: Eco-friendly Ways to Cleanup Oil Spills
The Eye of the Storm: Five Ways Hurricanes Impact Wildlife
