Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The Impact of Climate Change on Animal Behavior and Welfare Climate change is a pressing global issue that has far-reaching implications for various aspects of the environment and living organisms. Animals, both domestic and wild, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to their reliance on specific environmental conditions for survival. This thesis explores the impact of climate change on animal behavior and welfare, seeking to understand how changing climatic conditions influence the behavior, health, and overall well-being of animals. The introduction sets the stage for the study by highlighting the importance of addressing the impact of climate change on animal populations. The background of the study provides a detailed overview of the current state of climate change and its potential consequences for animals worldwide. The problem statement identifies the gaps in existing research and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of how climate change affects animal behavior and welfare. The objectives of the study are outlined to guide the research process, focusing on investigating the specific ways in which climate change influences animal behavior and welfare. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, highlighting the constraints and challenges that may impact the scope and findings of the research. The scope of the study defines the boundaries within which the research will be conducted, setting clear parameters for data collection and analysis. The significance of the study is emphasized, highlighting the potential contributions of the research to the field of animal science and environmental conservation. The structure of the thesis is provided to give readers an overview of the organization of the research work, outlining the chapters and their contents. Definitions of key terms are also included to clarify the terminology used throughout the thesis. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review, examining existing studies on the impact of climate change on animal behavior and welfare. Ten key themes are identified and analyzed to provide a thorough understanding of the current state of knowledge in the field. Chapter three details the research methodology, including the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. Eight key components are described to ensure the rigor and validity of the research findings. Chapter four presents a detailed discussion of the research findings, exploring the ways in which climate change influences animal behavior and welfare based on the data collected and analyzed. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to existing literature and the broader context of climate change research. Chapter five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on animal behavior and welfare to ensure the well-being of animal populations in a changing environment. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the impact of climate change on animal behavior and welfare, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing this critical issue to protect animal populations and promote environmental sustainability.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "The Impact of Climate Change on Animal Behavior and Welfare" delves into the critical intersection of climate change and its effects on animal behavior and welfare. As climate change continues to be a pressing global issue, its impacts on various aspects of ecosystems, including animal behavior and welfare, have gained significant attention. Animals across different species and habitats are facing unprecedented challenges due to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, altered precipitation patterns, habitat loss, and extreme weather events. This project aims to explore and analyze how climate change influences animal behavior and welfare, ultimately contributing to the broader understanding of the ecological implications of climate change. By investigating the responses of animals to changing climatic conditions, the study seeks to shed light on the adaptive mechanisms, vulnerabilities, and potential consequences for animal populations and ecosystems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on animal communities. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, empirical studies, and case examples, the research will examine the diverse ways in which climate change can impact animal behavior and welfare. This includes changes in migration patterns, breeding behaviors, foraging strategies, social interactions, and physiological responses of animals to environmental stressors. Additionally, the project will investigate the implications of these behavioral changes on individual fitness, population dynamics, species interactions, and overall ecosystem functioning. The research methodology will involve a combination of field observations, experimental studies, data analysis, and modeling approaches to assess the relationships between climate change and animal behavior. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives from ecology, ethology, conservation biology, and climatology, the study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the complex interactions between climate change and animal welfare. Overall, this project seeks to advance our knowledge of how climate change influences animal behavior and welfare, highlighting the urgent need for proactive conservation measures and sustainable environmental management practices to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of ongoing global environmental changes.