{
  "id": 15520548,
  "title": "El Niño could intensify stress on Keralam’s forests and wildlife",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/el-nino-could-intensify-stress-on-keralams-forests-and-wildlife",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T00:03:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/el-nino-could-intensify-stress-on-keralams-forests-and-wildlife/article71596579.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Keralam's forests and wildlife could face heightened stress due to the developing strong El Niño, which could exacerbate dry conditions and raise concerns over forest fires, early drying of streams and waterholes, shifts in wildlife movement and heightened human-wildlife conflict, according to experts. The State has reported a 28% deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall, which, if persistent, could further compound the situation. Forest water sources that typically endure until March or April may dry up sooner, compelling wild animals to seek alternative water sources, potentially leading them closer to human-dominated landscapes and increasing the risk of human-wildlife encounters. Higher temperatures and dwindling water availability could induce physiological stress and behavioral alterations in wildlife, though these impacts would require confirmation through field observations. The risk of forest fires may also advance due to heightened temperatures and decreased rainfall. Authorities may need to hasten preventive measures, such as establishing fire lines along forest boundaries, to mitigate the potential dangers. The developing El Niño could also influence forest health, regeneration and ecosystem functioning, as noted by K.A. Sreejith, a senior principal scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute. El Niño has the potential to modify monsoon patterns, leading to rainfall deficits and extended dry spells, which may reduce soil moisture and intensify water stress in plants, affecting forest phenology and regeneration. Changes in forest phenology, the seasonal timing of events like flowering, fruiting, leaf shedding, and plant growth, closely linked to rainfall, temperature, and other climatic factors, could impact the seasonal availability of food and habitat resources, disrupting interactions between plants and animals and the functioning of forest ecosystems. The severity of these impacts would depend on factors such as forest type, elevation, soil moisture, and prevailing climatic conditions. Species vary in their ability to withstand drought, with some displaying relatively high tolerance and others exhibiting high susceptibility to water stress. While forests may retain their overall canopy appearance despite declining physiological health, prolonged drought could ultimately kill vulnerable trees, impede regeneration, and lead to a shift in forest composition in favor of drought-tolerant species.",
  "summary": "According to the Forest Survey of India, Keralam reported 49 large forest fire incidents so far this year, compared with 52 in 2025. The amount and distribution of northeast monsoon rainfall will be crucial in determining water availability in forests and the extent of water stress on wildlife",
  "key_points": [
    "Strong El Niño may heighten stress on Kerala's forests and wildlife.",
    "28% deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall could worsen conditions.",
    "Earlier drying of water sources may increase human-wildlife conflict."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The intensifying El Niño threatens to destabilize Kerala's ecosystems by driving wildlife into human settlements and forcing a long-term shift toward drought-tolerant plant species.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}