{"id":31012,"date":"2026-10-12T03:31:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T03:31:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/?p=31012"},"modified":"2026-10-12T03:32:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T03:32:51","slug":"animals-on-the-front-line-of-climate-change-in-afghanistan-a-message-to-cop31","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/2026\/10\/animals-on-the-front-line-of-climate-change-in-afghanistan-a-message-to-cop31\/","title":{"rendered":"Animals on the front line of climate change in Afghanistan; a message to COP31"},"content":{"rendered":"

Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says the country\u2019s average temperature has risen by about 1.8 degrees Celsius since 1950. Droughts, floods, and other extreme climate events have also put increasing pressure on people\u2019s lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The World Bank\u2019s Climate Risk Profile warns that Afghanistan will face higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, an increased probability of drought, and expanding dry areas in the coming decades. These changes could affect ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.<\/p>\n

But how do these changes affect the daily lives of animals?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Lotfullah Rashidi, a resident of Wakhan District in Badakhshan, says the number of livestock in his village has decreased compared with about ten years ago. He believes that people\u2019s interest in livestock farming is directly linked to drought and the shortage of animal fodder. He also says the presence of wild animals has changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWolves, foxes, and jackals are still around, but they are not seen near villages as often as they were in the past. When natural resources become scarce, some wild animals move closer to livestock enclosures in search of food. This increases the risk of conflict between people and wildlife,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Sayed Qayyoom Hashemi, an environmental and wildlife expert, confirms this account. He says drought affects animals in two ways: by reducing vegetation and food sources, and by destroying their natural shelters and habitats.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople should work together to protect wildlife and animal populations. They should prevent excessive forest cutting and changes in land use and raise public awareness about protecting animals and plants,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

According to him, this creates a chain reaction: \u201cLess rainfall \u2192 less water \u2192 less vegetation \u2192 less food. Animals then move to other areas, increasing contact with humans and the risk of conflict and hunting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Climate change and habitat loss threaten wildlife in Nuristan<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Mohammad Karim, a resident of Nuristan, says deer, mountain goats, wolves, foxes, jackals, leopards, bears, and various birds were more common in his area in the past. Today, many of these animals are seen less often.<\/p>\n

He considers reduced rainfall, shortages of water and food, forest destruction, and harmful human activities to be some of the main reasons for this situation. He says that during winter, some animals move closer to residential areas in search of water and food.<\/p>\n

\u201cReduced rainfall and water shortages have also reduced animals\u2019 food sources. As a result, many animals and birds have moved to more distant and mountainous areas. Sometimes, they come closer to villages to find water and food,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Mohammad Khadem Mohammadi, a wildlife expert in the Natural Resources Unit of the Nuristan Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, says rising temperatures and shortages of water and food can change animal habitats. According to him, species that depend on cold environments may move to colder, higher-altitude areas to find more suitable conditions.<\/p>\n

He lists the snow leopard, deer, wolves, and black bears among the animals found in Nuristan. He warns that the reduction in forest cover and the decline in water and food supplies could affect their reproduction and survival.<\/p>\n

\u201cRising temperatures and shortages of water and fodder change wildlife habitats and cause animals to move to colder, higher-altitude areas in search of suitable food and water,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

However, not every decline in animal populations or movement to new areas can be directly linked to climate change. Deforestation, hunting, population growth, the expansion of settlements, and changes in land use also play a role.<\/p>\n

Reports by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) show that, alongside drought and climate change, Afghanistan has also faced the destruction of vegetation, declining water resources, land degradation, and illegal wildlife hunting.<\/p>\n

This means that Afghanistan\u2019s wildlife crisis has several causes. However, climate change can make the burden of these other pressures heavier.<\/p>\n

Climate change threatens snow leopards in Badakhshan<\/strong><\/h5>\n

In Badakhshan, climate change is especially important for species that depend on cold, high-altitude environments.<\/p>\n

Rohullah Naderi, a wildlife protection and hunting management expert at the Badakhshan Department of Environmental Protection, says reduced snowfall and ice, changes in vegetation, and declining water supplies can limit animals\u2019 access to food and water. According to him, snow leopards, mountain goats, and Marco Polo sheep are sensitive to changes in cold, high-altitude environments.<\/p>\n

He points to a survey of Marco Polo sheep in Wakhan District and the Greater Pamir region, conducted in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The survey found a decline in wildlife.<\/p>\n

Less snow does not simply mean that the mountains are covered in white less often. Snow is an important part of the mountain water cycle. When snow melts earlier, water flows down the mountains earlier, leaving less water available in summer, when it is needed most. Under these conditions, vegetation is affected first. Herbivores then remain hungry, while predators that depend on them face a shortage of prey.<\/p>\n

He adds that cases of snow leopards attacking livestock were recorded in Wakhan last year. He believes that a decline in prey and changes in wildlife movement may be one of the reasons why predators are coming closer to domestic animals. On the other hand, increasing livestock numbers and the overuse of pastures have pushed wildlife into tighter habitats.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen water and vegetation decline, herbivores first face food shortages. Then, as the number of prey animals decreases, carnivores also face difficulties,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

While the discussion in Badakhshan and Nuristan focuses mainly on wildlife and their habitats, in Herat, climate change has directly affected the tables of livestock owners\u2019 families.<\/p>\n

Drought and declining pastures put Herat\u2019s livestock farming at risk<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Mohammad Hashem, a resident of Ziarat Jah village in Guzara District, says local pastures have dried up after several years of low rainfall. At the same time, some grazing lands have been turned into orchards and farmland. Livestock now have less access to water, and they have to go long distances to reach it.<\/p>\n

Based on his own assessment, he estimates that the area\u2019s livestock farming capacity has fallen from about 100 percent to 40 percent. He warns that if the drought continues, even this remaining capacity could be lost, forcing livestock owners to change their job.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the past, one person could keep 400 to 500 sheep on these plains. Now, some people have no more than 20 because the pastures have dried up and water is much farther away,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Fewer birds seen in Kapisa\u2019s skies<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Mohammad Yahya Salehi, a resident of Nijrab District in Kapisa, also says that the number of some bird and animal species has decreased compared with the past.<\/p>\n

He considers changing weather patterns, shortages of water and food, bird hunting, and the destruction of the natural environment to be contributing factors. He adds that the migration times of some birds have also changed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see far fewer birds and animals than we did in the past. Water and food shortages, the destruction of vegetation cover, and hunting appear to have made life more difficult for birds and other animals,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Hamed, an environmental expert in Kapisa, says climate change can change or destroy wildlife habitats through drought, reduced rainfall, floods, and rising temperatures.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrought and water shortages can destroy the food sources of birds and other animals and even change bird migration patterns. If a habitat is no longer suitable for birds, they may move to other areas,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

According to reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change, ecosystem damage, and biodiversity loss are closely linked. Healthy ecosystems can help communities better adapt to climate change. In other words, when forests, pastures, wetlands, and rivers are damaged, animals are not the only ones harmed. Human communities also become less able to cope with climate change.<\/p>\n

The IPCC emphasizes that protecting, restoring, and properly managing ecosystems can reduce the vulnerability of biodiversity. Connecting protected habitats and preventing them from becoming separated into smaller areas are also important options for adapting to climate change.<\/p>\n

What can be done to adapt to climate change?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Adapting to climate change begins with protecting water resources and natural habitats. This includes protecting springs, rivers, and wetlands, restoring pastures, and growing drought-resistant fodder.<\/p>\n

Protecting natural corridors, preventing hunting and wildlife trafficking, and regularly monitoring wildlife are also essential. Without reliable information and effective protection, the pressure of climate change on animal species will continue to increase.<\/p>\n

In livestock farming, storing fodder, managing water resources, raising adapted livestock breeds, vaccinating animals, and providing training in climate-smart farming methods can help reduce the vulnerability of livestock owners\u2019 families.<\/p>\n

Most importantly, local communities must be part of the solution. People who live near forests, pastures, and wildlife habitats should have a role in protecting them and making decisions about them.<\/p>\n

From climate negotiations to protecting Afghanistan\u2019s nature<\/strong><\/h5>\n

At first glance, global climate conferences may seem unrelated to a shepherd in Herat, a snow leopard in Wakhan, or the birds of Nijrab. In reality, they are directly connected.<\/p>\n

Afghanistan\u2019s main problem is not simply reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although the country contributes only a small share of global emissions, it is highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.<\/p>\n

For this reason, climate adaptation is especially important for Afghanistan, and adaptation plans should not be limited to humans. If the country is to cope with drought, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and water shortages, its ecosystems, livestock, wildlife, forests, pastures, and water resources must also be included in its adaptation plans.<\/p>\n

When animal habitats change, human lives are affected too<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Climate change does not simply mean warmer weather. It also changes the relationship between water, soil, plants, animals, and people.<\/p>\n

When a species loses its habitat or an animal is forced to leave its habitat, the consequences can affect the entire ecosystem. These effects can include changes in pollination, natural pest control, food chains, and vegetation cover, ultimately affecting human livelihoods.<\/p>\n

The message of this report to COP31 is clear: Afghanistan requires more than additional climate adaptation projects. It also needs to make nature protection a key part of its climate adaptation plans.<\/p>\n

Protecting forests, water, pastures, and wildlife means protecting our own lives.<\/p>\n

World Animal Day may be a good opportunity to ask an important question: As Afghanistan\u2019s climate continues to change, do our adaptation plans give enough attention to protecting animals, their habitats, and the natural environment?<\/p>\n

If animals are forced to move, sooner or later, human lives will also be affected.<\/p>\n

Reporter: Nasir Keshawarz<\/em><\/p>\n

A report from the \u201cMaseer Sabz\u201d program<\/p>\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. (UNDP) \u2013 Afghanistan is on the Brink of Climate Catastrophe: We Must Act Now<\/strong> (2023)
    \nhttps:\/\/www.undp.org\/afghanistan\/blog\/afghanistan-brink-climate-catastrophe-we-must-act-now<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. (ADB) \u2013 Climate Risk Country Profile: Afghanistan<\/strong> (2020)
    \n    https:\/\/www.adb.org\/sites\/default\/files\/publication\/660566\/climate-risk-country-profile-afghanistan.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. (UNEP) \u2013 Afghanistan: Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment<\/strong> (2003)
    \n    https:\/\/www.unep.org\/resources\/assessment\/afghanistan-post-conflict-environmental-assessment<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. (FAO) \u2013 Livestock Protection Package Evaluation in Afghanistan<\/strong> (2025\u20132026)
    \n    https:\/\/www.fao.org\/socioeconomic-research-analysis\/projects\/detail\/livestock-package-evaluation\/en<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. (IPCC) \u2013 Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability<\/strong> (2022)
    \n    https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg2\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The World Bank\u2019s Climate Risk Profile warns that Afghanistan will face higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, an increased probability of drought, and expanding dry areas in the coming decades. These changes could affect ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":31015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[990,16,30,896,6],"tags":[12,1884,552,2175,2291],"class_list":["post-31012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest","category-report","category-environment","category-nature","category-afghanistan","tag-afghanistan","tag-animals","tag-climate-change","tag-cop31","tag-wildlife"],"views":5,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31012"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31017,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31012\/revisions\/31017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31015"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}