Wildfires in Europe have major impact on animals: "Nothing can survive these intense fires"

Europe's raging wildfires are not only a disaster for human residents but also a catastrophe for the animals in affected areas.

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You would have to know in advance how many animals live in the areas, and that alone is particularly difficult to track.

While official figures on the number of animals killed or injured are unavailable, experts warn that very few creatures can survive the extreme heat of these intense blazes. Even animals seeking refuge underground, such as reptiles, insects, and mice, are succumbing to the scorching temperatures. This is particularly evident in areas like Bordeaux, France, where fires have raged with devastating intensity.

Experts attribute the fires' severity partly to human influence. The deliberate planting of excessive, flammable trees in some areas and nitrogen deposition, which promotes the growth of combustible grasses, contribute to the fires' rapid spread and intensity. These factors, combined with climate change, are disrupting natural ecosystems.

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In this type of fire, even reptiles and insects that crawl underground will die.

The long-term consequences for biodiversity are dire. "Nearly 10,000 already endangered species worldwide will be exposed to wildfires more frequently," warns Professor Tobias Ceulemans of the University of Antwerp. He notes the difficulty in even estimating the number of animal victims, stating, "It's not realistic to measure that." The focus, he explains, should be on understanding how human actions have altered ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to such intense fires.

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Nearly 10,000 already endangered species worldwide will be exposed to wildfires more frequently.