The impacts of heatwaves on Australia’s wildlife

Heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency, duration and intensity in Australia. Although brief, they cause mass wildlife die-offs and long-lasting ecological changes, such as reduced body condition of populations. During heatwaves, air temperatures rise above normal maxima for several days, placing many species at risk of heat stress. Individuals at geographic range edges may be under considerable threat, because these areas often have climates at the limit of a species’ heat tolerance