Wildlife, Ecosystems in Greece At Risk Due to Raging Wildfires, Reports Show

Ecosystems and wildlife are affected in Greece due to raging wildfires that caused massive evacuations and property damage, according to the latest reports.

As forests burned, wildlife and animals have been impacted in the region.

Recently, Nature World News (NWN) reported that extreme heat and wildfires emerged in Greece that forced evacuations from affected areas.

International communities have already extended their assistance by bringing firefighters to control the fire in the country.

In the previous The Guardian report, about 19,000 people, with tourists, were evacuated from the fire on Aegean Island.

Wildfires impact ecosystems and wildlife

(Photo : by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Gennadi, Rhodes, Greece. The wildlife and ecosystems in Greece are at risk due to the raging wildfires in the country and extreme heat conditions.

Wildlife suffered from raging wildfires and extreme heat conditions, making survival more difficult.

In a Euronews report, animal welfare groups urged people not to leave their animals.

Furthermore, AFP and Phys.org reports emphasized the impact of wildlife on animals and ecosystems as widespread damage of 50,000 hectares was burned.

The ELGA, or Association of farmers in the Country, revealed that about 50,000 olive trees were damaged in Rhodes. Animals were also affected in the area.

Firefighters continue to fight the fire in the affected areas, dealing with at least 660 fires in July.

According to the report, the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals in Greece explained that every life has value, adding that people should not leave their animals chained or trapped.

Volunteers also helped to save the stranded animals, including them. Some animals have suffered from breathing problems and injuries.

In the Phys.org report, Nikos Bokaris explained that the fire could endanger the ecosystem in Greece.

Bokaris serves as the head of Union Foresters in Greece.

Bokaris noted that the fire could become more concerning in the country's capital, urging the importance of preventive measures to address the issues of wildfires.

Also Read: July As Hottest Month: Intense Global Heatwaves To Bring Health Risks

Wildfires study

Extreme heat and wildfires can become deadly. Recent reports showed the health impacts on human health due to poor air quality.

Based on Utah's Department of Environmental Air Quality, the report highlighted that forest fires could unleash poor air quality, as smoke has harmful microscopic particles.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said smoke has air pollutants that bcan put at risk sensitive groups, including older adults, children and people with medical conditions.

Recently, parts of the United States experienced unhealthy air quality levels due to widespread wildfires in California.

Furthermore, the report added that forest fires could impact the water quality, especially in lakes, reservoirs or rivers.

While most wildfires could be due to climate change, human-caused fires are also possible. People going to forests should avoid burning fires to prevent the risks of potential fires.

Also Read: Human-Caused Climate Change Blamed for Deadly Global Heatwaves