Drought conditions in CA negatively impact habitat through resource deterioration and wildfire, causing migration and behavior changes of animals. Wildlife become concentrated in the remaining suitable habitat, increasing chances for disease outbreaks due to close contact. Fish populations already are struggling as water is being held in reservoirs and downstream waterways dry up.
Waterfowl is another animal that depends on the water, especially with few remaining wetlands. Last year, the estimated population of breeding waterfowl in the state was 451,000 - a 15% drop from 2012. Experts think bird populations will go even lower this year and in the years to come if drought continues. Also, as the birds seek new nesting sites, they often are crowded into whatever areas are available. Predators find the larger congregations beneficial, accounting for some bird loss, but it is disease - which spreads quickly in overcrowded conditions - that is the biggest killer.
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