Wildlife take advantage of Coronavirus hiatus

What became completely apparent during the recent worldwide Covid-19 lockdowns is that wildlife would not miss us at all if humanity was to suddenly disappear or reduce drastically in numbers. Wildlife appeared to enjoy this brief hiatus from us finding they could wander freely, unhindered and safe from interruption. They quickly decided to invade our space instead of the other way round. There is probably a great irony somewhere in all this.

Of course, it is a different story for companion pets who have seen a lot more of us and are so dependent on us and may be shocked by normality again.

Although we set aside large swathes of land in the name of conserving animals and habitat and give them such impressive names as national parks, reserves and conservation areas, in reality they are just giant adventure playgrounds for us to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, kayaking and any other pursuit we can think up with no consideration given to the disturbance to the animals. Far from being safety zones for them we increasingly invade these spaces, and if they should dare to retaliate by attacking us, we kill them.

a bear on the prowl
Bears are able to roam unhindered and sightings by rangers in US national parks have increased dramatically now the tourists are excluded.

But wildlife is now getting a well deserved rest from us. Bears in U.S. national parks are able to roam freely and unhindered without having to take detours round vehicles and camp sites and they do not have to worry about confronting humans. Rangers have reported a huge increase in bear and wildlife sightings and stated that the bears are “partying” in Yosemite national park.

More timid species are being emboldened to explore and venture into territory that was out of bounds just weeks ago because of human activity and even  roam the urban areas. And road kills will no doubt diminish which is good news during the spring breeding season.

 Lions in Kruger national park are also taking the opportunity to roam freely and sleep wherever they pleas and enjoy some peace and quiet even taking a nap on the park roads without being surrounded by hordes of tourist vehicles. 

No they are not dead but enjoying downtime undisturbed by hordes of tourists.

Lions in Kruger national park making the most of the lock-down hiatus. Photo’s by Richard Sowry, a park ranger who took these photographs while on patrol.

They do not necessarily need us, but we need them.

Hopefully somewhere in all this there might be a salutary lesson to us perhaps even making us appreciate nature more and an understanding that animals require their space and freedom just like us. Perhaps we should even give some serious thought to whose benefit many of these preserved areas are truly for and put restrictions on the ultimate predator from entering them.

Coronavirus: a time to stand by our pets.

While we struggle to combat this terrible virus our companion pets will need all the support we can give them over the next few months because through no fault of their own, they could be subjected to wide ranging and long-lasting negative welfare implications. It is important that we do not succumb to misinformation and paranoia over the risks of transmission of the virus from them.

Most scientists appear to support the notion that there is no compelling evidence animals can pass the virus to humans even though this pandemic apparently began with a jump from animals into humans because of the unsanitary conditions in Asian markets and of cultural eating habits. But human nature being what it is, many of us are quick to panic.

Asian wet market showing live seafood.
The animal to human contagion that caused the pandemic is believed to be linked to Asian wet markets.

Some pet owners around the world are allegedly abandoning or killing their pets. There have been lurid reports of Chinese owners throwing dogs and cats to their deaths from the balconies of high rise apartments through fear of being infected by them after media news that a dog, a cat and a tiger supposedly tested positive. Cats have been particularly singled out as being able to transfer the virus on their fur which could potentially cause a backlash towards them.

Pets and animal charities face long term effects from the pandemic.

With most animal rescues temporarily closed to adopters, the unlucky inmates face even longer incarceration and with staff numbers and visitors reduced to just essential workers, may suffer mentally from isolation from human contact. Some shelters have seen an increase in demand for pets from people seeking companionship during their enforced stay at home and are taking the opportunity to offload as many animals as possible. There is criticism that this is misguided and many fear that when everyone returns to their normal routine it could add to an even bigger influx of unwanted animals.

Unwanted dog, rescue dog
Many animals will have to remain in shelters for months longer due to coronavirus restrictions and may suffer stress and anxiety through lack of visitors and attention.

Not a time to consider renouncing our pets.

At any given time there are always thousands of owners looking to rehome their unwanted pets and with no facilities to take them to owners may take the easy way out resulting in a scenario of mass abandonment. The aftermath will be stray cat and dog populations increasing in many countries and a backlog for many months to come. This could result in increased euthanasia due to lack of space particularly in countries with high rates already such as the USA and Canada.

Animal welfare and rescue charities are already suffering a huge reduction in income and the present climate is not ideal for fund raising appeals when so many humans are suffering hardship. The major animal charities with their much criticised large contingency funds will no doubt continue to function adequately, while those with their hand to mouth approach to funding may well struggle to survive or even close permanently leading to more pressure on the larger charities.

Lions, Kruger national park
The lions of Kruger national park take the opportunity of the coronavirus lockdown to take an undisturbed nap on the roads. Photo: Richard Sowry

While wildlife may not be missing us one bit, but our companion pets are seeing a lot more of us, particularly those once home alone. They are getting the bonus of 24/7 attention from owners, although they shouldn’t get too accustomed to it.