According to the latest report, an estimated 36 million dead trees were recorded in California in 2022 due to wildfires, prolonged drought conditions and climate change.
The affected forests and trees could slowly recover from the damaging fires. Reports showed that fires can quickly occur due to high temperatures and strong winds.
Recently, raging wildfires emerged in parts of Southern California and Southern Nevada. The lack of rainfall and dry conditions contributed to the issue.
The extreme heat and massive fires in the region even affected the Joshua trees in Southwest states and the Mojave Desert, while in Arizona, the high temperatures were linked to the death of honeybees.
The frequency of fires can harm essential trees in the forests and deserts, which are home to many animals and insects serving as crucial habitats.
Millions of trees affected in California
Joshua Trees. At least 36 million dead trees were reported in California in 2022 due to prolonged drought and wildfires. The soaring temperatures and strong winds helped to unleash dangerous fires in the region.
The rare Joshua tree is one of the affected parts of California. According to the reports, at least 36 million trees died in parts of California due to drought conditions.
Other affected trees are pine trees, towering sequoias and bristlecone pines.
The threat of El Nino and Climate Change could likely worsen the problems of fires and drought in California, bringing more health risks to people and ecosystems.
The advisory warned of rapid fire spread. People are advised to be cautious and check for possible wildfire updates.
Furthermore, insects and disease also impacted the rare trees in California. While trees can quickly adapt, the rising temperatures and global warming can make it more difficult for them to thrive or survive.
Forests are essential habitats for many species. Animals can also become affected if they become vulnerable to extreme temperatures and climate change.
According to the California Statewide Fire Summary, the ten active wildfires in the region burned about 77, 295 acres in the area.
At least 6,526 personnel were helping to put out the active fires.
The California Fire also reported that Red Flag Warning is present due to fire risks in the following areas:
- Del Norte
- Trinity
- Humboldt
- Siskiyou Counties
Also Read: Quokkas in Western Australia: Animals Developed Adaptive Behavior to Survive in Burned Areas
The role of beavers in California
Beavers are also tapped to help with California's water and fire problems. The small animals are efficient natural engineers to help build dams and buffers to prevent possible wildfires.
They were recognized to be a nuisance before, but the ecological benefit of beavers can become nature-based solutions to pressing problems of drought and fires.
Furthermore, beavers can create ponds and wetland habitats, which other species can benefit. As they build the damn or ponds, they can likely improve the water quality and storage during extreme drought conditions.
Related Article: Fire Frequency Can Cause Ecosystem Collapse, Research Shows
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